Fine scale characterisation of dispersal kernels to predict range shifts in the Anthropocene (PLANTSHIFTS)
Caracterización a pequeña escala de núcleos de dispersión para predecir cambios en las áreas de distribución en el Antropoceno (PLANTSHIFTS)
Principal investigator
Pedro Jordano
Financial institution
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, FCT
Fecha de inicio
Fecha de fin
Code
CIBIO2014
Department
Ecology and Evolution
Researchers
García, Cristina (Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO/UP)
Brief description
In previous studies we have demonstrated the significant role of dispersal mutualisms in driving spatio-temporal patterns of population expansion by applying molecular markers, network analyses and GIS-based tools in a Mediterranean tree species inhabiting highly threatened remnant forests, Juniperus phoenicea subsp. turbinata. This is a founding species (sensu (9)) that structures coastal plant communities by creating favourable conditions for other species and stabilizes ecosystem services. Based on a comprehensive data set already gathered on ecological, genetic, and phenotypic variation in our main study area (Doñana National Park, Spain), we pursue to: A. Combine three different techniques to depict dispersal kernels in all its extension based on specific SSRs markers, censored tail reconstruction techniques (CTR), and extreme values theory; B. Measure the contribution of different dispersal vectors at the species level to the total dispersal kernel by applying barcoding to avian tissue attached to disperse propagules; C. Predict distribution range shifts and optimize ecological services by applying dynamic models under different scenarios of global change.