Grantee Research Project Results

Species Diversity and Genetic Diversity: Parallel Processes and Correlated Patterns

EPA Grant Number: U915992
Title: Species Diversity and Genetic Diversity: Parallel Processes and Correlated Patterns
Investigators: Vellend, Mark
Institution: Cornell University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: January 1, 2001 through January 1, 2004
Project Amount: $102,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2001) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Fellowship - Terrestrial Ecology , Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration

Objective:

The objective of this research project is to investigate the striking parallels between the processes that influence species diversity and genetic diversity, which suggest that theories of biodiversity may be unified across organizational levels.

Approach:

I am using simulation models to explore the range of processes that may influence this relationship. The correlation between species diversity and genetic diversity represents a novel, general pattern, opening a broad scope of opportunities for studies integrated across multiple levels of biodiversity. If these parallels are manifested in nature, we expect species diversity and genetic diversity (within single species) to be correlated across habitat patches. I have found strong support for this prediction using data from the literature on islands, and my own empirical data on forest-herb diversity in a fragmented landscape. Larger islands have greater diversity at both levels than small islands, and primary forests in central New York have greater diversity at both levels than postagricultural forests.

Supplemental Keywords:

fellowship, species diversity, genetic diversity, parallel processes, correlation, biodiversity.

Progress and Final Reports:

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.