[ECOLOG-L] Ecology Laws and Speculations
Ecolog: What are the laws of ecology, as in physics, and where are the tests that validate them as opposed to having different schools of speculation? WT
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Notwithstanding that Agriculture is Anathema to Ecology, Consider Permaculture
Good point!agriculture is not onlt providing the food and fibre to sustain our life, but also stands an only interface between nature and society system that can balance them. As a matter of fact, many horobale ecologist like Eugene Odum learned that agroecosystem sciences (particular agroecology) would be a common interests between ecologists and agronomists. Songliang Wang, PhD Fujian agricultue and Forest University, China. Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:07:56 -0400 From: ggg9...@yahoo.com Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Notwithstanding that Agriculture is Anathema to Ecology, Consider Permaculture To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU I always wonder if all the high and mighty ecologists who look down their noses at agriculture like to eat food? And if so, are they eating grubs and berries from their pristine research sites or are they eating food that was produced by farmers? Unless these snooty ecologists are 100% in the grub and berry camp, I suggest that their denigrating attitudes about agriculture are laughably hypocritical. Furthermore, agroecosystems comprise a large percentage of the earth's total land mass. This is unlikely to change, especially given the enormous pressures on resources that will increase as the world's population continues to increase. Enlightened ecologists already recognize the enormous importance of agroecoystems for protecting resources and conserving what is left of biodiversity. Anyone who continues to spout the agriculture is anathema rhetoric is merely lagging behind the cutting edge of ecological thought, in my humble opinion. _ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE! http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/
[ECOLOG-L] M.S. Position on Sexual Selection in Cactus Bugs
A M.S. position is available under the supervision of Dr. Christine W. Miller at the University of Florida. The position is funded by the National Science Foundation for two years and will begin in June of 2010. The focus of the larger NSF-funded project is the influence of natural environmental variation on the expression and evolution of ornaments, weapons, and behaviors of sexual selection. The M.S. thesis work will include one or two summertime field seasons in New Mexico and some year- round field work in Florida. The student will also conduct extensive greenhouse breeding of the insects in Florida for behavioral and morphological study. The focal research organism is a cactus bug, Narnia femorata (Hemiptera: Coreidae). Males in this species compete over territories on the fruit of prickly-pear cactus and have enlarged hind legs used in these competitions. Applicants should possess a B.A. or B.S. in Biology or a closely related field and have a strong background in evolutionary biology and behavior. Selection will be based largely on interest and enthusiasm for the research topic, academic achievements, reference letters, and previous research experience. To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter outlining your interests and research background, a curriculum vitae (including GPA and GRE scores), and contact information for three professional references (name, email, phone, address) as either a PDF or MS Word file to cwmil...@ufl.edu with “Sexual selection M.S. position” in the subject line. Informal inquiries are welcome. More information on research in the laboratory of Dr. Christine W. Miller and the Entomology and Nematology Department at UF are available at www.millerlab.net. Review of applications will begin September 15, 2009 and will continue until September 25th , or until an outstanding candidate is found.
[ECOLOG-L] JOB: Assistant Professor, Epidemiology @ Univ Richmond
Colleagues, The University of Richmond is seeking an epidemiologist at the Assistant Professor level to join the Department of Biology. Some details of the position are below, additional information and the on-line application is available at: https://www.urjobs.org/. I would add that we would be especially interested in receiving applications from individuals working in disease ecology broadly defined. Thanks for your time, Malcolm Malcolm Hill, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Chair Department of Biology University of Richmond Richmond, VA 23173 804-287-6628 - The Department of Biology invites applications for a tenure-track position in epidemiology at the assistant professor level, beginning fall 2010. We seek an individual who uses mathematical modeling or statistical methods to investigate aspects of epidemiology including, but not limited to, infectious disease, molecular epidemiology, environmental health or public health. Prior teaching experience and a dynamic research program that would actively engage undergraduates and attract extramural funding is desired. Teaching expectations include introductory courses, upper level electives, and interdisciplinary teaching associated with our Integrated Quantitative Science minor. Applicants should visit https://www.urjobs.org/ to complete a brief application. Applicants will also be asked to supply electronically a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, statement on teaching philosophy and experience, a statement describing the applicant's research agenda, and pre-prints/reprints. Applicants should arrange for three letters of recommendation, including at least one that addresses teaching effectiveness and potential, to be sent electronically to psmal...@richmond.edu or via regular mail to Peter Smallwood, Department of Biology, University of Richmond, VA 23173. The review of applications begins October 15, 2009. The University of Richmond is committed to developing a diverse workforce and student body and to being an inclusive community. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who will contribute to these goals. For more information on the department, resources, and teaching assignment, see (http://biology.richmond.edu/). Department of Biology: The Gottwald Center for the Sciences houses the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and had an extensive renovation/expansion of laboratory and teaching facilities completed in 2005. Approximately 50 biology majors graduate each year, many of whom go on to attend top graduate and medical schools. The department offers courses and research opportunities in the areas of cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, immunology, invertebrate biology, microbiology, neurobiology, and organismal biology. There is also a concentration in Neuroscience, a major in Environmental Studies, and a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Our Director of Pre-Health Education advises students interested in health-related careers. Four Laboratory Directors are responsible for laboratory preparation and teaching of some non-majors biology courses, as well as assisting with our introductory biology courses. A full-time Director of Biological Imaging manages our microscopy suite (SEM, TEM, and confocal microscopes). The university also maintains an animal facility, greenhouse and herbarium, DNA sequencer, and equipment related to computer imaging technology, PCR, digital gel documentation, etc., which are available for student and faculty use. On campus field sites including Westhampton Lake and Westhampton Woods are available for class or personal research projects. In addition, the University is near a diversity of habitats, including the James River, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship: Decomposition in Drylands: Soil erosion - UV interactions
Graduate Research Assistantship Decomposition in Drylands: Soil erosion - UV interactions We invite applications for a graduate research assistantship (GRA; Ph. D. level preferred; 3 years funding) from students interested in decomposition processes in desert ecosystems. Most of what is known about decomposition is from studies in high rainfall areas, but this knowledge does not translate well to dryland ecosystems. Recent studies suggest solar ultra-violet radiation is a major driver of decomposition in drylands; however, other studies indicate the level of mixing of wind/water-transported soils with litter is a key factor. This project seeks to resolve these competing explanations via a series of laboratory studies and field experiments in Arizona designed to measure light energy-soil movement-decomposition interactions. These linkages will be assessed in the context of woody plant encroachment into grasslands, a globally extensive vegetation change in drylands. The graduate research assistant will be based at the University of Arizona with Steve Archer and Dave Breshears. The GRA will participate in an interdisciplinary investigation seeking new insights into processes affecting desert soil fertility and carbon storage by combining the disciplines of plant community ecology, ecosystem science and earth science in a novel framework. The GRA’s project will be field-oriented and will quantify spatial patterns of litter input and its translocation by wind and water and litter mass loss in contrasting plant community configurations. The GRA will work closely with collaborators at New Mexico State University (Heather Throop; litter chemistry), the University of Kentucky (Rebecca McCulley; microbial communities) and Loyola University (Paul Barnes, photobiology). For additional details on the project see http://www.snr.arizona.edu/project/decomposition . Starting date negotiable, but Fall or Spring 2009 is preferred. The assistantship includes an annual salary of $14,677 (MS) or $15,990 (PhD); waiver of out-of-state tuition; full remission of in-state tuition; and health insurance. Applications will be accepted until 7 November 2009 or until suitable candidate is found, and should include 1) a statement of interests and goals, 2) a CV with copies of transcripts and GRE scores, and 3) names and contact information for 3-5 references. For general admission requirements see http://www.snr.arizona.edu/academic/grad . Applications and information requests should be directed (preferably via email) to Steve Archer (sarc...@ag.arizona.edu), 325 Bio Sciences East, School of Natural Resources, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0043; 520 626-8791).
[ECOLOG-L] Seeking Research Technician: Ecophysiology, wireless sensor networks, forest dynamics
The Clark lab is seeking a technician for at least one year, beginning as soon as possible. We are based in the Nicholas School of the Environment and the department of Biology at Duke University. We study plant community and forest ecology from a variety of perspectives, including plant demography, population genetics, plant-insect and plant-fungal interactions, and responses to disturbance and climate change. http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/people/faculty/clark/ Our research sites are located in North Carolina, in the Duke Forest and at Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory in the southern Appalachians. This is a full-time (40h/week) position, for at least one year, pending satisfactory performance, and up to three years. Duties include maintenance, deployment, and collection of sapflux data on trees is in the North Carolina Piedmont, coordinating with collaborative studies by the US Forest Service in the southern Appalachians. The position will include work with electronics, in the lab and field, and data management. Knowledge of the natural history of eastern forests, and experience using Microsoft Excel are beneficial, but not required. Applicants should be willing to work outdoors under a variety of field conditions. Salary negotiable. The successful applicant will need to secure housing in the Durham/Research Triangle area. Submit applications ASAP – review will begin immediately until an excellent candidate is hired. Application materials should include a cover letter of one page or less describing background and interest in the position, and a resume that documents relevant experience, skills, and abilities. Please submit these materials through e-mail as a single document to Jim Clark (see contact information below). Contact: Jim Clark jimcl...@duke.edu
[ECOLOG-L] E. O. Wilson signs CASSE position on economic growth
E. O. Wilson, one of the most distinguished and respected scientists in the world, has signed the position on economic growth developed by the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy (CASSE). The position statement points out the conflict between economic growth and environmental protection and proposes a steady state economy as a desirable alternative. A steady state economy aims for stability in population and consumption of energy and materials -- it is a truly green economy that meets people's needs without undermining the life-support systems of the planet. E. O. Wilson is a professor of biology at Harvard University. Through his dedicated research and eloquent writing, he has contributed immensely to the pool of knowledge on social behavior, biodiversity, and conservation. He joins other top sustainability thinkers from many fields, including David Suzuki (biology), Herman Daly (economics), Vandana Shiva (physics), Wendell Berry (agriculture), Chris Matthews (media), and Douglas Tompkins (business), in signing the CASSE position. Wilson's endorsement signifies his recognition that a steady state economy provides a better opportunity to conserve planetary resources and ensure wellbeing for future generations. The CASSE position can be found at http://www.steadystate.org
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology Laws and Speculations
There are no laws that ecologists won't criticise. As I have pointed out in previous postings, some even object to the idea that conservation of energy applies to living creatures. If laws are found, ecologists will reject them. That is my law of ecological resistance. Bill Silvert - Original Message - From: Wayne Tyson landr...@cox.net To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 12:06 AM Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology Laws and Speculations Ecolog: What are the laws of ecology, as in physics, and where are the tests that validate them as opposed to having different schools of speculation? WT
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship in Tropical Forest Management Ecological Sustainability Indicators
Graduate Research Assistantship in Tropical Forest Management Ecological Sustainability Indicators. Department of Environmental Studies, University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). We are looking for a highly motivated Graduate student to help us conduct research on the relations existing between remote sensing derived data on forest structural trends, current biodiversity present in managed and natural tropical forest areas and management practices in Costa Rica. The student will work on the biodiversity component of the project. She or He will spend 2 summers in Costa Rica doing field work in the Sarapiqui region. Biodiversity surveys will include vegetation structure, dung beetles, butterflies and Birds. Previous birding experience is highly desired as well as knowledge of Spanish. This is a joint project with the Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence (GIScCE) of South Dakota State University. Funding from NASA goes until 2012. Other partner institutions include The Fundacion para el Desarrollo de la Cordillera Volcanica Central (FUNDECOR) and The Tropical Agronomic Research and Higher Education center (CATIE). Applicants should email their CVs to Naikoa Aguilar-Amuchastegui (aguilaramuchasteg...@uncw.edu) and fill their online applications before October 15th 2009 (see https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=UNCW-GRAD).
[ECOLOG-L] EBM Job with NatureServe in the Bay Area
JOB TITLE: EBM Tools Training Coordinator SUPERVISOR: EBM Tools Network Coordinator and designated NOAA Coastal Services Center Staff LOCATION: Oakland, California [NOAA Coastal Services Center West Coast Regional Office co-located with the California Ocean Science Trust] ABOUT US The EBM Tools Training Coordinator will be an employee of NatureServe. NatureServe is a nonprofit conservation science and technology organization that provides the scientific basis for effective conservation action. With nearly 100 staff and an international network of over 80 natural heritage programs across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, NatureServe is the leading source of information on rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems. It provides information and tools to conservation groups, government agencies, corporations, academia, and the public to help them make informed decisions about managing our natural resources. Since 2006, NatureServe has coordinated the Coastal-Marine Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) Tools Network, a voluntary alliance of tool developers and users to promote the awareness, development, and effective use of tools and methods for EBM. The Training Coordinator will be based at the NOAA Coastal Services Center West Coast Regional Office in Oakland, California (co-located with the offices of the California Ocean Science Trust). NOAA Coastal Services Center (the Center) is a federal entity that works directly with private and public sector partners to bring information, services, and technology to local, state, and federal coastal resource managers and non-profit organizations. The Center has been an active member of the EBM Tools Network since it began in 2006. The Training Coordinator will be co-managed by staff from the NatureServe EBM Tools Network Coordination Team and NOAA Coastal Services Center. The position term is two years. For more information about NatureServe, NOAA Coastal Services Center, and the EBM Tools Network, visit www.natureserve.org, www.csc.noaa.gov, and www.ebmtools.org. SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Training Coordinator will coordinate the development and delivery of training by global tools experts to U.S. West Coast management communities. The Training Coordinator will first seek partnerships with key U.S. West Coast organizations to understand the management needs of the audiences they serve, their capacities for using tools, and optimal training delivery methods for these audiences. He/she will then work with the regional organizations and the EBM Tools Network to identify tools that can meet those management needs/capacity constraints and tools experts that can provide technical tools training. The Training Coordinator will then develop or lead the development of appropriate training content (including tool use case studies and data needs); liaise with partner organizations to ensure the training content and delivery methods meet the learning objectives of the target audiences; and provide some portion of the logistical support necessary for the training to occur. When possible, tools training will be incorporated into existing or planned coastal and ocean resource management trainings to present tools in the context of how they would be used and mainstream tool use by making it a standard part of management trainings. Focal areas for training include: 1) Understanding and accounting for land-sea interactions and attendant effects on coastal water quality and 2) Marine spatial planning including ecologically and socially-optimal siting of alternative energy facilities, aquaculture facilities, networks of marine protected areas, and other ocean uses. The expected results of this work will be increased incorporation of ecosystem processes into U.S. West Coast coastal management and, ultimately, healthier coastal and marine ecosystems in the region. In addition to work with U.S. West Coast practitioners, the Training Coordinator will devote approximately 25% of their time to supporting training opportunities throughout the U.S. and internationally. This will include adapting and disseminating training materials developed for U.S. West Coast audiences to national and global audiences through webinars and other e-learning products, hosting multi-day tools training events in conjunction with EBM Tools Network meetings, and seeking opportunities to integrate tools components into existing coastal-marine management and conservation trainings. He/she will also provide tool developers with feedback on EBM tools from field EBM practitioners. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. Liaise with potential training partners to understand the tool needs and capabilities of the audiences they serve and determine appropriate tools and training delivery methods for those audiences 2. Develop and/or lead the development of audience-appropriate tools training including information on how tools can be applied in the field 3.
[ECOLOG-L] Research Associate Post Doc -- Carbon Cycle Modeling -- College of Forestry, Oregon State University
Thanks, David, RESEARCH ASSOCIATE (POST DOC) IN CARBON CYCLE MODELING Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society Oregon State University, Corvallis For full consideration apply by September 20, 2009 We invite applicants for a Research Associate (Post Doc) (Posting #0004629) to join our investigation of spatial and temporal patterns in net ecosystem production over North America during the MODIS era (2000-present). The project is a collaborative effort between Oregon State University, the NASA Ames Research Center, and the NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory. The approach will employ both prognostic and diagnostic carbon flux models driven by distributed climate data and remote sensing products from Landsat and MODIS. The postdoctoral scientist will have responsibility for model development, model parameter optimization using eddy covariance tower data, and assessment of results from spatial mode application of the models. The team includes specialists in GIS, assembly of climate data and satellite data, interpretation of satellite data, ecosystem modeling, and inverse modeling. The appointment is full-time (1.0 FTE) 12-month, fixed term faculty position with reappointment at the discretion of the Department Head. Full-time annual salary will be $45,000-$50,004 (U.S.) commensurate with education and experience. Medical, dental, and life insurance group plans are available. For review of full position announcement, refer to our website http://oregonstate.edu/jobs. For additional information contact Dr. David Turner (Phone: 541-737-5043), email david.tur...@oregonstate.edu. Apply online at http://oregonstate.edu/jobs. Go to Posting #0004629 and upload (1) letter of application (describing background and reason for interest in this position, and the extent to which you have the required and preferred applications): (2) curriculum vitae; (3) Examples of senior authored publications; (4) unofficial transcripts of university work; (5) and contact information for 3 references. For questions regarding the application process, email Jeannette Harper at jeannette.har...@oregonstate.edu or phone 541-737-6554. OSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer Jeannette Harper Human Resources/Payroll Coordinator Assistant College of Forestry Business Office 154 Peavy Hall 541-737-6554 jeannette.har...@oregonstate.edu
[ECOLOG-L] New articles for Population Ecology (August 2009)
New articles for Population Ecology (August 2009) One new article of Population Ecology was published at 'Online First' last month. (1) Peter A. Abrams Quantitative descriptions of resource choice in ecological models The abstract of this article is available for everyone free of charge at Online First. The full text is available for the members of the Society of Population Ecology and institutions registered with SpringerLink. * Population Ecology at Online First: http://www.springerlink.com/content/103139/?Content+Status=Accepted This is a special feature article based on the Prenary Symposium 'Rapid Adaptation: From Learning and Plasticity through Population Dynamics to Evolution' of the 24th Annual Meeting of the Society of Population Ecology in October 2008. This article and the others in preparation will be published together as 'Special Feature: Rapid Adaptation' in the next issue (52-1) to be published in January 2010. Population Ecology is an English scientific journal published by the Society of Population Ecology four times a year. It enjoys a high international reputation and has a long history of over 40 years. All manuscripts are reviewed anonymously by two referees, and the final editorial decision is made by the Chief Editor based on the referees' evaluations. The articles are abstracted/indexed in BIOSIS, Current Contents/ Agriculture, Biology Environmental Sciences, Environmental Periodicals Bibliography (EPB). Population Ecology welcomes submissions of papers by non-members. To submit your manuscript to Population Ecology, go to https://www.editorialmanager.com/poec/ We look forward to your subscription and submission. Editorial Office Population Ecology Chief Editor Takashi Saitoh Field Science Center Hokkaido University, Japan
[ECOLOG-L] HerpDigest Volume # 9 Issue #38 08/31/09
HerpDigest.org: The Only Free Weekly Electronic Newsletter That Reports on The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation and Science Volume # 9 Issue #38 08/31/09 Publisher/Editor- Allen Salzberg __ TWO NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE AT HERPDIGST FOLLOWING THE WATER: A HYDROMANCER'S NOTEBOOK New Book by MacArthur Genius Award winner David M. Caroll, author Of the now classics, The Year of the Turtles, Self-Portrait with Turtles, and Swampwalkers Journal (Limited number of Autographed Copies Will Be Available, Herpdigest has exclusive on autographed copies.) THE FROGS AND TOADS OF NORTH AMERICA is an amazing book. It contains: A CD of all 101 species found in US Canada./Almost 400 great color photos 101 color location maps /In just 344 pages. Books this comprehensive usually go for at least $50.00.to 75.00. Or just $19.95 for the CD. But the publisher is offering it JUST FOR $19.95 Plus 7.50 SH. (For more information on both books see below. Also for ordering information see below). Table of Contents 1) Photo Gallery- Wonderful Colours Of Vietnamese Tree Frogs 2) New Book Lizards in an Evolutionary Tree: Ecology and Adaptive Radiation of Anoles Losos, Jonathan B. 2009 3) Sand Lizards Thriving In Dorset, U.K. 4) Latest Issue, Bibliography - Applied Herpetology 6(3) 5) Bizarre Newt Uses Ribs As Weapons 6) Launch For Amphibian 'Life Raft' -Conservationists Have Launched A New Initiative Aimed At Safeguarding The World's Amphibians From Extinction. 7) Snake Lobby, Animal Groups Clash Over Python Bills 8) The Frog Whisperer ___ Back To School Special TURTLES OF THE US CANADA BY Carl Ernst and Jeffrey Lovich Originally $95.00 Now $75.00 plus $ 5 shipping media mail. 1) Photo Gallery- Wonderful Colours Of Vietnamese Tree Frogs VietNamNet Bridge -8/22/08 Tree frog species are the most beautiful amphibians in Vietnam. Sixteen species of tree frogs have been discovered in the country at different heights, from 100 to 3000 m above sea level. Tree frogs live in well-protected forests only and they need to be protected. Tuoi Tre introduces the beauty of some tree frog species. http://english.vietnamnet.vn/photogal/2009/08/864738/ __ 2) New Book Lizards in an Evolutionary Tree: Ecology and Adaptive Radiation of Anoles Losos, Jonathan B. 2009. University of California Press, Berkeley, xx, 508 p. Clothbound with a dust-jacket. Adaptive radiation, which results when a single ancestral species gives rise to many descendants, each adapted to a different part of the environment, is possibly the single most important source of biological diversity in the living world. One of the best-studied examples involves Caribbean Anolis lizards. With about 400 species, Anolis has played an important role in the development of ecological theory and has become a model system exemplifying the integration of ecological, evolutionary, and behavioral studies to understand evolutionary diversification. This major work, written by one of the best-known investigators of Anolis, reviews and synthesizes an immense literature. Jonathan B. Losos illustrates how different scientific approaches to the questions of adaptation and diversification can be integrated and examines evolutionary and ecological questions of interest to a broad range of biologists. $75.00 Amazon is charging it the same price it is offered wholesale to other vendors. There is a group on Facebook for this book, join it. 3) Sand Lizards Thriving In Dorset 8/20/09, WildlifeExtra.com Forest restocking sites are providing golden opportunities for Britain's rarest lizards on the Forestry Commission estate in Dorset. Breaking up ground ready for replanting has proved to produce the creatures' ideal breeding areas. And since forest managers began clear felling small areas throughout the woodlands at Wareham they have created dozens of perfect habitats. Wildlife ranger Mark Warn, said: The timber harvesting system breaks up the age structure of the forest. It becomes a mosaic of trees, heath and newly broken land. The sheltered glades and undulating tree lines create fantastic homes for a huge range of wildlife, including butterflies and nightjars. It was when we began monitoring the sand lizards that we realised it was perfect for them too. High densities of lizards Once a section of trees is taken out the land is scarified' to make it ready for replanting. For a couple of years it gives the lizards an ideal habitat of half open sand gravel rocks and half vegetation into which they can run for shelter. These sites are now producing higher densities of sand
