[ECOLOG-L] Grad student assistantships in cyanobacterial ecology

[David Bird]

Opportunity to study cyanobacterial ecology in 
the beautiful lakes of southern Quebec. Both 
M.Sc. and Ph.D. students accepted. Current 
interests are in physical-biological coupling, 
ecophysiology, community dynamics, methods 
development, factors of control, and toxin dynamics.


The UQAM is a French-speaking university, so 
M.Sc. students should know French or be willing 
to learn. Ph.D. students take almost no courses 
so they can survive with no French, but they will 
miss out unless they too take the plunge to learn 
French. We have a large group of aquatic 
scientists at UQAM and we are part of a larger 
limnological research association - the GRIL.


Montreal is regularly voted one of the most 
livable cities on the planet - check it out.



Dép. sciences biologiques
Université du Québec à Montréal
CP , succ. Centre-Ville
Montréal, QC
H3C 3P8

tel: 514-987-3000 ext. 7859#
fax: 514-987-4647

Not necessarily overly up-to-date web sites:
en français 
http://www.gril-limnologie.ca/pages.php?main_id=85&cat_id=123&pd_id=124&action=

English http://girofle2.telecom.uqam.ca/griluqam/?q=david

[ECOLOG-L] PhD at U. Washington - desert amphibians

[Dave Lytle]

Send inquiries to Julian Olden (ol...@u.washington.edu)

PhD Graduate Research Assistantship in Desert Amphibian Conservation
School of Aquatic and Fishery Science
University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.

Responsibilities:  A highly motivated PhD student is needed to pursue 
doctoral research as part of a collaborative project that aims to 
understand how flow intermittence and landscape connectivity govern the 
spatial and temporal dynamics of native (threatened) and non-native 
amphibians in intermittent and ephemeral streams of southern Arizona.  
The student will examine how hydrology, hydrologic connectivity and 
other riverine characteristics influence the demography (e.g., 
distribution, abundance) and population genetics (e.g. gene flow, 
structure, diversity) of amphibians across a gradient of flow 
permanence, and explore the potential impacts of climate change.  The 
successful applicant will be advised by Dr. Julian Olden (School of 
Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington), and will work 
closely with researchers from Oregon State University, State University 
of New York, and partners in Arizona including AZ Game and Fish 
Department and The Nature Conservancy.  

Qualifications: MS in ecology, zoology, or related field with a 
competitive GPA and GRE scores.  Priority will be given to applicants 
with previous experience studying amphibians (biology, ecology, and 
sampling techniques), quantitative skills, and/or a background in 
landscape genetics (no experience using molecular techniques is 
needed).  A demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals 
and experience conducting research in arid and semi-arid ecosystems is 
preferred, but not required.


Location:  The position will be located within the School of Aquatic and 
Fishery Science (SAFS) at the University of Washington, Seattle, 
Washington.  SAFS includes 30 faculty, 125 graduate and 100 
undergraduate students, and about 90 administrative and research staff.  
The breadth and scope of SAFS encompasses programs for undergraduate and 
graduate teaching, research and service in basic and applied aquatic 
sciences with an emphasis on aquatic resource conservation.  Faculty, 
staff and students have access to myriad aquatic habitats and rich 
biological resources, and are involved in interdisciplinary partnerships 
with other academic programs, as well as public and private 
organizations and environmental and regulatory agencies.


Salary:  Stipend will be $21,400 annually plus benefits and tuition.

Start date: Fall 2010 (Summer 2010 preferred)

Contact: To apply email a cover letter that addresses your interest and 
experience, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, and contact 
information for at least three references to: Dr. Julian Olden, School 
of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington at 
ol...@u.washington.edu.  Screening of applicants will occur prior to the 
SAFS application deadline on December 15, 2009. UW is an equal 
opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its employees. 
See http://www.fish.washington.edu/graduates/index.html for more details 
regarding admission.


More information can be found at:
Julian Olden http://www.fish.washington.edu/research/oldenlab/

[ECOLOG-L] PhD at Oregon State - pop dynamics in desert streams

[Dave Lytle]

PhD Graduate Research Position
Population dynamics in desert stream ecosystems
Department of Zoology, Oregon State University

The Lytle Lab at Oregon State University 
(science.oregonstate.edu/lytlelab) seeks a highly motivated PhD student 
to pursue doctoral research as part of a collaborative project that aims 
to understand how flow intermittence and landscape connectivity govern 
the population dynamics of aquatic invertebrates and amphibians in 
southern Arizona streams. The student will use fieldwork (population 
surveys, habitat measurements) and laboratory methods (mtDNA and 
microsatellites) to understand how hydrologic connectivity influences 
the population dynamics of aquatic organisms. The successful applicant 
will be advised by Dr. Dave Lytle (Department of Zoology, Oregon State 
University, Corvallis), and will work closely with researchers from 
University of Washington, State University of New York, and partners in 
Arizona including AZ Game and Fish Department and The Nature Conservancy.


Qualifications: BS or MS in ecology, zoology, or related field with 
competitive GPA and GRE scores. Priority will be given to applicants 
with previous experience studying aquatic invertebrates (biology, 
ecology, and sampling techniques), quantitative skills, and/or a 
background in molecular methods such as mtDNA or microsatellite 
analysis. A demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals 
and experience conducting research in arid and semi-arid ecosystems is 
preferred, but not required.


Location: The position will be located within the Department of Zoology, 
Oregon State University. Zoology houses expertise in ecology, evolution, 
physiology, and genomics of aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Corvallis 
is home to a productive community of aquatic biologists, distributed 
across the OSU campus and at regional research labs for the EPA, USGS, 
and USFS. OSU maintains the largest insect collection in the Pacific 
Northwest (osac.science.oregonstate.edu) and is among the top-ranked 
North American universities for conservation biology and ecology 
/evolutionary biology.


Funding: The position will be funded primarily by graduate research 
assistantships (GRAs), with the opportunity to hold a teaching 
assistantship (GTA) during some academic quarters. The Department of 
Zoology guarantees 5 years of support for PhD students.


Start date: Fall 2010 (Summer 2010 preferred)

Contact: To apply email a cover letter that addresses your interest and 
experience, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, and contact 
information for at least three references to: Dr. Dave Lytle, 
lytl...@oregonstate.edu. Screening of applicants will occur prior to the 
Zoology application deadline on January 15, 2010. OSU is an equal 
opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its employees.

[ECOLOG-L]

[NZP-GISCourse]

GIS Internship at the Smithsonian Conservation & Research Center

The Conservation GIS Lab at the Smithsonian Conservation & Research Center 
(CRC) is seeking an intern, to start immediately.  The Lab focuses on 
developing remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications 
to conservation problems.
(http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/ConservationGIS).
Projects include:


1.  Using remote sensing and GIS for conservation of endangered species.  
Currently we are working on projects focused on Asian elephants, giant pandas, 
clouded leopards, Przewalski's horses, Mongolian gazelles, and others.

2.  Training of wildlife management professionals in application of GPS, GIS 
and remote sensing to everyday management.

The interns will assist with everyday lab management, enter data, help with 
training courses, and assist in the GIS/remote sensing aspects of these 
projects.  We seek interns with a good knowledge of computers, Windows 
operating systems, and standard office software.  Basic knowledge of GIS 
(preferably ArcGIS or ARC/INFO) and remote sensing are a plus but not necessary.

The internship includes a stipend and housing.  Send letter of interest and 
resume ASAP to Melissa Songer at song...@si.edu; end 
date is Sept. 15. Your resume should include contact information for 3 
references.  In order to be considered please include the time period you are 
available for the internship in your letter.

The Conservation and Research Center is located at the north entrance of the 
Shenandoah National Park about 60 miles west of Washington, D.C., in Front 
Royal, VA.

CRC's mission is to advance conservation of biological diversity. In meeting 
the Smithsonian Institution's mandate, CRC increases knowledge through 
investigations of threatened species, habitats, and communities, and 
disseminates knowledge through advanced studies, professional training, and 
public outreach.

[ECOLOG-L] Environmental Education & Outreach Specialist

[Bridget Walden]

Description:
Working collaboratively with Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LMNRA), the
Great Basin Institute is seeking an Environmental Education & Outreach
Specialist to assist with implementation of interpretation and education
programs for Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and occasional interagency
efforts. Specific duties of the Specialist include: 1) Presenting
curriculum-based field trips and in classroom programs for school students
within Southern Nevada, mainly the Clark County School District, targeting
schools with a high percentage of English Language Learners, 2) Presenting
public outreach programs including community events, hikes, short talks,
campground programs, library programs, or other special events, 3)
Conducting informal roving interpretation to the public on foot, in a
vehicle, on a boat, or on a bicycle, 4) Staffing booths at various special
events, both in and out of the LMNRA, to answers questions about Lake Mead,
and 5) Staffing the information desk at the LMNRA visitor contact stations
to answer phone and in-person inquiries, open and close visitor center
stations, and provide a high level of customer service to visitors. This
position will require travel throughout the LMNRA, as well as working on
weekends and most holidays.

Compensation:
o $26,000 Living Allowance
o $4,725 AmeriCorps Education Award*
o Student Loan Forbearance**
o Paid Interest Accrual**
o Paid Health/Dental benefits

Timeline:
o Annual position beginning October 2009
o Requires completion of background check
o Full time, 40 hours per week including holidays and weekends

Location:
o Lake Mead NRA (Boulder City, NV)

Qualifications:
o Bachelor’s degree in education or related coursework and commensurate
field experience;
o Experience developing and implementing environmental education and
outreach programs;
o Motivated, self-starter who is detail oriented;
o Flexibility to handle competing and changing priorities;
o Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse public in a variety of
forums;
o Ability to speak English and Spanish conversationally, desirable but not
required;
o Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments;
o Possess clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license; and
o Meet eligibility requirements to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award:
(1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, and (2) not yet
received two AmeriCorps Education Awards, regardless of previous award amount.

For a full position description please visit our website at
www.TheGreatBasinInstitute.org.

How to Apply:
Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their
résumé, and a list of three professional references to Bridget Walden, at
bwal...@thegreatbasininstitute.org. Please include where you found this
position posted.

Application Deadline: September 17, 2009

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national
origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or
religion. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

[ECOLOG-L] Post Doc and Grad Student Opportunities in Biogeochemistry

[=?ISO-8859-1?Q?Stephen_Porder?=]

Post doc and graduate student opportunities in biogeochemistry at Brown
University.

Post Doctoral Positions

The Porder Lab at Brown University is currently seeking two post-doctoral
scholars to work in the area of tropical biogeochemistry. One position,
funded for two years, will explore the influence of erosion rate and
geomorphic setting on the phosphorus status of tropical forests. The
successful applicant must have a strong background in biogeochemistry (both
in the field and in the lab), a willingness to travel, and an ability to
coordinate a team of technicians and  undergraduates.  A background in
geomorphology will also be highly relevant. The other position is more open
ended, but is focused on the causes and consequences of spatial variation in
nutrient availability in tropical ecosystems.  Potential ideas include
exploring the effects of parent material composition on ecosystem
properties,  pursuing a forest fertilization experiment in the lowland
tropics, or using river chemistry to compare the nutrient status of
different tropical landscapes.  For both positions, a Ph.D. in biology,
geology, or a related field is required.  Funding is guaranteed for two
years, and the applicant will be involved in proposal writing to supplement
funding. To apply, please send a cover letter stating your interest in the
position and experiences you feel are relevant, a curriculum vitae and the
names of three references to both stephen_por...@brown.edu.

Graduate Student Positions

Ph.D. in Terrestrial Biogeochemistry and M.S. in Environmental Science at
Brown University, Providence, RI USA.

I am currently seeking 1-2 Ph.D. students and 1 M.S. student to explore
questions related to tropical biogeochemistry.  My lab works broadly at the
intersection between biology and geology to explore spatial patterns in
tropical ecosystems, and the consequences of those patterns for the impacts
of land use change on tropical ecosystems.  A few of the current projects in
the lab include investigations of: nutrient availability and landscape
formation in the Talamanca Range of Costa Rica, the interaction between
selective logging and nutrient dynamics in the lowland forests of Imataca,
Venezuela, the effects of climate and soil age on plant/nutrient
interactions in the Hawaiian Islands, and the impacts of industrialized soy
production in Brazil.  A few other projects are described on the lab website.  

Applicants should have a strong academic record, experience in either
ecological or geological field work, chemical and isotopic analyses, or,
ideally, some combination thereof.  For more information on program details,
potential Ph.D. students can visit the Dept. or Ecology and Evolutionary
Biology website, and potential M.S. students can visit the Center for
Environmental Studies website.  Interested applicants should email CV,
transcript, test scores, and a letter describing personal and research
interests to stephen_por...@brown.edu.

[ECOLOG-L] First Announcement: SWS Diversity Program Undergraduate Mentoring Awards for Salt Lake City

[Day, Frank P.]

The Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) announces the availability of 
undergraduate student awards for travel to attend the annual SWS meeting – June 
27 – July 2, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah. SWS is committed to increasing 
diversity in its membership and is offering full travel awards and mentoring at 
the meeting for undergraduate students from underrepresented groups (see 
application form for eligible groups). These awards are supported by the 
National Science Foundation and several SWS Chapters (Mid-Atlantic, South 
Atlantic, South Central, North Central, Western, and Pacific Northwest). The 
areas of interest of the student participants range from freshwater to marine 
and involve a wide variety of organism types. Undergraduate participants must 
be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An 
undergraduate student is a student who is enrolled in a degree program 
(part-time or full-time) leading to a baccalaureate or associates degree. 
Students who are transferring from one institution to another and are enrolled 
at neither institution during the intervening summer may participate. Spring 
2010 graduates are eligible as well. Application materials and additional 
information are available from Dr. Frank P. Day, Old Dominion University 
(f...@odu.edu) and on the program’s web page 
(http://www.sws.org/mentoring.mgi). Application deadline is December 4, 2009.

[ECOLOG-L] JOB: Assistant Professor, Plant Ecology,

[Elizabeth Marschall]

Assistant Professor of Plant Ecology
The Ohio State University

The Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) seeks a 
plant ecologist at the tenure-track assistant professor level who will 
complement our existing strengths in population, community, and ecosystem 
ecology.  Possible areas of inquiry include but are not limited to: invasion 
ecology, plant-animal interactions, plant-microbe interactions, climate 
change ecology, biogeochemical fluxes, ecological restoration, and 
agroecology.  The successful applicant will have a Ph.D., preferably with 
postdoctoral experience, and will be expected to develop a strong, 
externally funded research program, train graduate students, and contribute 
to undergraduate and graduate teaching.  Find additional information about 
OSU at www.osu.edu or about EEOB at eeob.osu.edu.  For questions about the 
position, contact Dr. Libby Marschall (marschal...@osu.edu, (614) 292-8767), 
chair of the search committee.  The position will begin 1 October 2010.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, current CV, and statements of 
research and teaching interests, preferably as a single pdf file, and have 
three letters of reference sent to Ms. Gale Azcarraga-Carter at Azcarraga-
carte...@osu.edu.  Review of applications will begin on 30 September 2009 
and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.  To build a diverse 
workforce, Ohio State encourages applications from individuals with 
disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women.  Flexible work options are 
available; EEO/AA employer.
 

[ECOLOG-L] RESEARCH TECHNICIAN OPPORTUNITY-ECOLOGICAL MODELING/GIS ANALYSIS closing Sept 9, 2009

[Weller, Donald]

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) has an opening for
a research technician on a team using geographic information system
(GIS) technology and ecological modeling in regional studies of the
Chesapeake Bay watershed and estuary.  The research considers the
factors controlling material discharges from watersheds; the
relationships between landscape characteristics and aquatic ecosystem
health; and the linkages among watersheds, wetlands, and estuaries.
Applicants should have experience with geographic information systems
(GIS) and statistical analysis and a Bachelors or Masters degree in
science, geography, mathematics, or information systems (or equivalent
experience).  The successful applicant will build skills in watershed
modeling, landscape ecology, ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry,
nutrient transport, hydrology, stream ecology, computer programming,
data base management, remote sensing, and ecological assessment of water
quality and stream biota.  This is a Career Federal Civil Service
position offered at the GS-7 or GS-9 level with a full performance level
at GS-9.  Starting salary is $41,210 at the GS-7/1 level or $50,408 at
the GS-9/1 level (plus benefits).  The official announcement and
application instructions are available at www.usajobs.gov.  Refer to
announcement number: 09A-RM-295475-DEU-SERC.  Please direct all
inquiries to the contacts listed in that announcement.  For more
information on SERC visit http://www.serc.si.edu.

[ECOLOG-L] The Deadline extension for Registrition to the Fourth international conference of ESES

[Hassan Mansour]

Dear all,

**The deadline for Registrition to the Fourth international conference of ESES 
“Impacts of climate 
change on natural resources” 
 has been extended to September 20th, 2009**
Abstract submission deadline to September 25th, 2009
Full text submission deadline to October 10th, 2009

The meeting will take place in Ismailia city, Egypt in November 10-11 2009.

CONFIRMED INVITED SPEAKERS:

- Prof. Hartmut Kohler (Bremen University, Germany)
-Prof. Harald Kehl (Berlin University of technology, Germany)
- Prof. Dieter Scherer (Berlin University of technology, Germany)
- Prof. Giulia Guerriero (University of Naples, Napoli, Italy)
- Prof. Zbigniew W. Kundzewicz (Posdam Institute for climate impact Research, 
Germany)
- Dr. Jose Etcheverry (York university, canada)
- Dr. Gian-Reto Walther (University of Bayreuth, Germany)
- Dr. Justin Podur(York university, canada)


DESCRIPTION OF THE CONFERENCE:

- Green-house effect and carbon dioxide emission 
- Impacts of climate change and Genetic conservation of rarely endangered 
species
- Impacts of climate change on the history and evolution of fora and fauna 
biodiversity  in the 
arid and semi arid regions.
- Climate change in arid lands and desert margins 
- Climate change and Oceanography 
- Climate change and water resources management 
- Biophysical indicators of climate changes 
- Climate change and Biotechnology 
- Climate change and risk assessment 
- Climate change and sustainable development 
- Climate change and food security 
- Impact of climate change on the development of rural communities 
- Socio-economic indicators of climate change
 


Conference website: http://www.eses-catrina.com

Contact: eses_...@yahoo.com

The General Secretary of the conference:

Prof. Abdel Raouf Moustafa, 
-- 

Hassan Mansour, Representative of the organizing committee 
man_gri...@yahoo.com

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc aquatic stable isotope ecology

[Elisabeth Gross]

UNIVERSITY OF KONSTANZ

The University of Konstanz is one of the nine Universities of Excellence in
the Federal Republic of Germany. 

The newly founded Center for “Organismic Interactions in Aquatic
Environments Under Changing Conditions” is offering a

PostDoc Position / Research Position (Salary Scale 13 TV-L)

in the Stable Isotope Analysis Unit that is to be established as a new tool
in ecological research at the University of Konstanz. 

For further information please visit our homepage at:
http://www.uni-konstanz.de or
http://www.uni-konstanz.de/news/index.php?cont=stellausw&seite=2009/114&id=1 

Applications, including the reference number 2009 / 114, should be sent in
by e-mail to: karl.rothha...@uni-konstanz.de .

Deadline: September 15th, 2009 or until position is filled. 

[ECOLOG-L] IGERT PhD Fellowships for Interdisciplinary Study in the Palouse

[Fabrice De Clerck]

University of Idaho

Palouse Team



PhD Assistantship Announcements





Interdisciplinary PhD Research Assistantships in Conservation Biology,  
Sustainable Production and Resilience of the Palouse Prairie Ecosystem.


Up to five Ph.D. research assistantships will be available to join a  
collaborative team working on aspects of conservation of the  
endangered Palouse Prairie ecosystem in the context of bioregional  
planning in southeastern Washington State and Northern Idaho.  The  
linked dissertation projects will work in the context of expected  
exurban development and sustainable agricultural production in the  
region.  With funding from the National Science Foundation’s  
Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship program  
(IGERT), the individual fellows will pursue disciplinary research  
important for the overall theme, and work together to identify and  
address interdisciplinary issues critical for development of effective  
planning and policy.  The team will interact with members of five  
other IGERT-sponsored student/faculty teams pursuing similar  
objectives in other ecosystems in which sustainability and  
conservation in the face of changing conditions and pressures is  
desired.




PhD Assistantship in Soil Biogeochemistry.  Seeking a highly motivated  
and qualified student to pursue the study of soil-plant relations and  
feedbacks in the endangered Palouse Prairie.  The student will  
contribute to our understanding of resiliency in this unique ecosystem  
that is increasingly threatened by invasive weed species and urban  
sprawl.  Research will focus on: 1) the importance of soil and site  
properties in determining the likelihood of invasion, and 2) the  
impact of invasive species on processes that control carbon storage  
and nutrient availability.  In addition, the student will conduct  
collaborative research to examine interdisciplinary aspects of  
conservation of Palouse Prairie within a dynamic, human dominated  
landscape with team members in fields such as entomology, conservation/ 
restoration plant ecology, virus ecology, and rural and community  
economics.  Contact Jodi Johnson-Maynard (jmayn...@uidaho.edu).




PhD Assistantship in Entomology and Landscape Genetics.  Seeking a  
highly motivated and qualified student to pursue the study of  
populations of native insects linked to the ecological communities  
specific to the Palouse Prairie, now existing exclusively as widely  
distributed small remnants.  Target populations will be key  
pollinators, specialist herbivores affecting predominant plant species  
and other indicator species.  Research will focus on: 1) determining  
the genetic diversity and structure of arthropod populations, 2)  
examining how behavioral and ecological correlates of genetic  
structure influence level of landscape connectivity, and 3) assessing  
elements required to sustain connectivity as part of conservation  
plans.  In addition, the student will conduct collaborative research  
to examine interdisciplinary aspects of conservation of Palouse  
Prairie within a dynamic, human dominated landscape with team members  
in fields such as soil science, conservation/restoration plant  
ecology, virus ecology, and rural and community economics.  Contact  
Sanford D. Eigenbrode (sanfo...@uidaho.edu) and Lisette Waits (lwa...@uidaho.edu 
).




PhD Assistantship in Conservation/Restoration Plant Ecology. Seeking a  
highly motivated and qualified student to pursue restoration ecology  
research within the Palouse Prairie and related canyon grassland  
systems of Northern Idaho.  The field research will develop  
restoration methods appropriate for a range of plant communities at  
various stages of secondary succession to enhance resilience of those  
plant communities.  The outcome of the research will include  
development of a decision tool to assist those actively involved in  
restoration.  Research may include: 1) sequence of introduction of  
native species, 2) seeding techniques, 3) invasive plant management,  
3) species selection for seed mixes that may incorporate native  
annuals, and 4) feasibility of establishment of biological soil  
crust.  In addition, the student will conduct collaborative research  
to examine interdisciplinary aspects of conservation of Palouse  
Prairie within a dynamic, human dominated landscape with team members  
in fields such as soil science, entomology, virus ecology, and rural  
and community economics.  The student must have a strong desire for  
collaboration with other students within or attached to the IGERT  
program.  Contact Tim Prather (tprat...@uidaho.edu).




PhD Assistantship in Rural and Community Economics.  Seeking a highly  
motivated and qualified student to pursue the study of rural community  
economics and social dynamics found in the Palouse Prairie region,  
including both patterns of decline and revitalization.  The student  
will contribute to our unde

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology Laws and Speculations

[William Silvert]

Actually in ecology we don't so much use laws as principles, as Kent 
indicates. Although Conservation of Energy is considered a law in physics, 
its use in ecology is really that we try to construct budgets and follow 
energy and nutrients through the system.


Gauss' Principle of Competitive Exclusion illustrates an important 
difference between physics and ecology. Its use in ecology has suffered 
because of the criticism by Rob Peters that it is a tautology, but this 
would not faze a physicist, for whom the value of a law or principle depends 
on whether it is useful - and since the Competitive Exclusion Principle is 
useful, there would be no need for controversy, and niche theory would have 
a more significant role.


An example of a principle rather than a law dates back to my early work on 
gelatinous zooplankton, which many marine ecologists consider a dead end in 
the food chain. For me a basic principle is that if you leave food on the 
table, someone will eat it. It may take a million years to learn how, but 
someone will eat it. So my colleagues grudgingly granted that yes, 
leatherback turtles eat jellyfish, as do Mola molas, but that is an 
insignificant exception. But then more and more scientists started to tell 
me anecdotes about finding examples of predation on jellies, such as doing 
stomach content analysis on fish and finding just slime, but then realising 
that their hands were numb - presumably the fish had been eating jellies and 
the nematocysts were still active. So the principle led to knowledge, which 
is a useful result, although I would not call this a Law of Nature (even 
though it is #3 on Kent's list).


Turning to a broader picture, Complex Systems theorists have observed that 
there are some very general patterns in nature that seem to indicate an 
underlying universal structure. Vague rules such as 10% of the population 
has 90% of the wealth, 10% of streams carry 90% of water, 10% of the 
organisms compose 90% of the biomass, and so on, suggest that this is not 
just a coincidence. These patterns are very speculative, and many ecologists 
feel that speculation is unscientific, and therefore bad - no, not just bad, 
downright evil! I think that this holds back the development of ecological 
theory. By comparison, physicists love to speculate. The neutrino and the 
quark were hypothesized many decades before either was experimentally 
detected. The existence of helium was inferred from looking at the solar 
spectrum before it was actually found on earth. If only we could be that 
imaginative!


Bill Silvert


- Original Message - 
From: "Jensen, Kent" 
To: "Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news" 
; "William Silvert" 

Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 11:08 PM
Subject: RE: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology Laws and Speculations


I'll have to remember that one indeed!  For our general (non-majors) Ecology 
& Environmental Conservation course we try to drive home 4 points that I 
think have been introduced many places as basic laws of ecology...


1.  There is No Such Thing as a Free Lunch

2.  Mother Mature Knows Best

3.  Everything Has to Go Somewhere

4.  Everything is Connected to Everything Else

As far as I know, ecologists are pretty much in agreement on them!   And, 
perhaps an example of the Law of Ecological Resistance could be in a subset 
under #1.  !


K. C. Jensen, Ph.D.

-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news 
[mailto:ecolo...@listserv.umd.edu] On Behalf Of William Silvert

Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 4:44 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: 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" 

To: 
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