What Maintains Biodiversity,
and why it is ever more important in this era of rapid environmental change
Why are there so many different species? This question has motivated generations of ecologists to better understand how nature works. This has gained urgency as species introductions and climate change add and subtract species from local ecosystems, often with undesirable consequences. Explore the balance of forces that help to hold diverse ecological communities together on the rocky coasts of British Columbia. Many species would be buried under an onslaught of mussels were it not for the presence of sea stars that eat them. Patterns of sea star predation create a mosaic of mussel beds, seaweeds, and barnacles, all of which provide habitat for dozens of associated species. Although these habitat-forming species are vulnerable to climate-driven extremes, they are also key in buffering the effects of such extremes on many other organisms.
In this lecture, Dr. Harley will discuss ongoing changes in coastal marine biodiversity, and provide a few reasons to be hopeful in the face of the rising tide of bad news.
Christopher Harley
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ProfessorDepartment of Zoology Research UnitThe Harley Lab: Coastal marine ecology and the impacts of climate change |
Research Interests
Dr Harley studies the impact of climate change on nearshore marine environments, with an emphasis on benthic (bottom-dwelling) plants and animals. His lab is interested in how climatic factors, such as temperature, pH, and salinity interact with biological relationships such as predation and facilitation to create ecological patterns in time and space.
Teaching
BIOL 230 Fundamentals of Ecology
BIOL 326 Experimental Biology of Invertebrates
Publications
This is a FREE event and it is part of the Biodiversity Lecture Series organized jointly by the Biodiversity Research Centre and the Beaty Biodiversity Museum.
The lecture will take place in the Great Hall at the Nest, UBC Vancouver Campus. Parking information can be found here.