Sarah Dalrymple, Xavier Lambin, David Lusseau, Tara Marshall, Graham Pierce, Stuart Piertney, Monty Priede, Paul Racey, Stephen Redpath, Jane Reid, Beth Scott, Sandra Telfer, Paul Thompson, Justin Travis
Population ecology research at Aberdeen is focused on understanding the impact of natural and anthropogenic processes on the abundance, dynamics and distribution of species. This is required to conserve biodiversity and develop sustainable strategies for exploiting natural resources. Our research extends from genes to landscapes with an emphasis on long-term, large-scale field studies, many with birds and mammals. This approach is supported by strong theoretical research and novel statistical, modelling and laboratory-based tools. Molecular and modelling studies are used to explore the causes and consequences of variability and structuring within natural populations. A major focus is on unstable dynamics, where opportunities exist to resolve key ecological questions. We rely on the Lighthouse field Station as one of our key field facilities
Individual variation and population dynamic
Xavier Lambin, Dr David Lusseau, Tara Marshall, Stuart Piertney, Paul Racey, Stephen Redpath, Jane Reid, Paul Thompson
Population ecology aims to understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of natural populations. This in turn requires detailed knowledge of the magnitude and causes of demographic variation among population members. We maintain and exploit several long-term field projects (including on choughs; starlings, dolphins, fulmars, voles, grouse, tropical trees), with the ultimate aim of measuring population dynamic consequences of temporal and spatial variation in demography. Detailed field studies of free-living populations are combined with sophisticated statistical analysis and simulation modelling. These projects provide novel insights and motivate theoretical developments. For example, we showed that temporal and spatial variation in an individual chough's natal environment can permanently influence its subsequent life-history and identified the demographic rates that limit population growth in this protected species. We particularly focus on social interactions in animal populations and are interested in understanding how environmental variability, both natural and anthropogenic, influences them.
Population dynamics and trophic interaction
Xavier Lambin, Stephen Redpath, Beth Scott, Paul Thompson
Trophic relationships are key processes structuring ecological communities. We are renown for our use of large-scale field studies with birds and mammals to explore the implications of predator-prey, parasite host, and plant herbivore interactions on the population dynamics of animal and plant species in a wide range of ecosystems. Large scale experiments have clarified the impact of trichostrongyle nematodes in the cycles of red grouse and of specialist predation in the cycles of field voles. We test the hypothesis that interactions between parasites, territorial behaviour and climate can account for the spatial variation in the dynamical behaviour of red grouse populations.
Our research on trophic interaction focuses on the functional linkages between oceanographic processes and the life history traits and population dynamics of top marine predators such as whales, seals and seabirds. We identify the critical life history stages and marine habitats where predator and prey species overlap, focusing on the physical features (or anthropogenic factors) that can enhance or destroy these linkages.
Life Histories
Xavier Lambin, Dr David Lusseau, Tara Marshall, Jane Reid, Paul Thompson
An individual's 'life-history' comprises its schedule of key events such as birth, maturation, reproduction and death. One central challenge for ecologists is to determine why life histories vary among individuals, populations and species, and to develop population management strategies that take account of such variation in life histories. Long-term monitoring programmes are integral to describing the pattern and magnitude of life history variation in wild populations. Ecologists at Aberdeen work with an impressive range of data from such long-term projects, based both in the UK and abroad. These datasets have been used to quantify both genetic and environmental influences on life histories in a wide range of species, including fulmars in Scotland, cod in the Barents Sea, Tawny owls in commercial spruce forest and song sparrows in British Columbia. Resulting knowledge has then been applied to a range of population management issues, including fisheries management policy and human disturbance and assessing the potential impacts of environmental change and population size and structure on wild bird populations.
Fisheries ecology
Graham Pierce, Monty Priede, Beth Scott, Tara Marshall
Effective management of fish resources requires a broad scientific understanding encompassing biological, economic and social aspects of fisheries. To achieve this, fisheries ecologists at Aberdeen conduct multi-faceted research programmes with the overall aim of quantifying the linkages between the environment, fish productivity and sustainability. In the laboratory, a detailed description of the physiology of herring maturation is being developed with the aim of improving short-term biomass forecasts. In the field, research is focused on defining physical and biological oceanographic factors behind the limited areas of critical foraging habitat where predator-prey interactions range across all trophic levels up to top marine predators. The spatial relationship between the energy reserves of North Sea herring and their preferred food (copepods) is being studied to assess the potential impacts of climate change on fish population dynamics. Both the laboratory and field research deploy a range of advanced modelling tools to identify factors affecting individual and population growth rates. An example is the Individual Based Modelling approach which incorporates state driven growth variables and environmental factors within a single model. Integrating this process-based understanding into management is done in collaboration with European marine institutes, industrial partners and national organisations.
Molecular and evolutionary ecology
Stuart Piertney, Dr David Lusseau, Jane Reid, Justin Travis
Molecular markers play an integral role in much of the research undertaken within the programme. Neutral DNA polymorphisms are used as a tool to understand better aspects of ecology not amenable to more traditional approaches, for example in charactering dispersal, identifying demographically independent populations and determining relatedness. Moreover there is considerable focus on understanding the causes and consequences of variation in levels of neutral and adaptive genetic diversity among individuals and populations – how do population dynamics, demographic history, environmental change and life-history influence extant genetic variation and how does this impinge on individual fitness, behaviour and long term population viability; what processes govern the dynamics and evolution of interactions in complex adaptive systems such as those of animal species with sophisticated social structures.
Theoretical ecology and modelling
Justin Travis, Dr David Lusseau, Xavier Lambin, Tara Marshall, Beth Scott,
Jane Reid
Modelling plays an important role in many of our research areas. We utilise a range of statistical and dynamic modelling approaches to link theory with data, frequently with a view to providing robust management advice. Sophisticated statistical models are employed to identify key ecological patterns and processes, especially in our work on trophic interactions and spatial ecology. In addition to applying existing modelling methodologies to applied questions, we develop novel methods; areas of current development include (1) agent-based spatial population models and (2) modelling frameworks that link ecological theory with population genetics, disciplines that have largely developed independently of one another. Within the group, models are also used in a more strategic way to gain a theoretical understanding of how complex ecological systems behave. There is an urgent need for strategies to effectively manage biodiversity during a period of rapid environmental change and the development of these strategies should be underpinned by solid theory. Yet, at present, there is a rather limited understanding of how species and assemblages will respond to the potentially synergistic impact of several environmental drivers. We have a particular focus on developing theory that will enable us to better understand, predict and manage the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of biodiversity during a period of rapid environmental change.