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The
general goal of research in my lab is to understand what determines
vegetation structure and the flows of energy and nutrients (i.e.,
function) in ecosystems. Climate is the principal determinant of
ecosystem structure and function at the regional spatial scale.
For example, the distributions of forest, grassland, and desert
across the globe are determined by mean annual temperature and precipitation.
Within those regions, plant species composition and nutrient and
energy flows are primarily controlled by soil properties that are,
to a large extent, influenced by topography. For instance, soil
at the base of a slope is more fertile and moist than that at the
top of the slope, which affects nutrient cycling and what species
grow at those sites. In addition, in some ecosystems, e.g., grasslands,
animals also can play an important role in determining ecosystem
properties.
The
focus of work in my lab has been to study how climate, topography,
and grazing by elk and bison interact to determine grassland plant
species composition and energy and nutrient dynamics in Yellowstone
Park. Field studies have included measuring grassland species composition,
primary production, elk and bison consumption of that production,
and rates of nitrogen cycling. In the laboratory, we have examined
carbon and nitrogen flows in soils collected from grazed and ungrazed
areas to examine how elk and bison influence soil processes. In
addition, we've performed greenhouse studies on plants collected
in Yellowstone to understand how defoliation and nutrient availability
affect plant growth and morphology.
Students
who join the lab will initially need to read the pertinent scientific
literature as they formulate, with my help, a research question
that interests them. These studies would not necessarily be restricted
to questions concerning Yellowstone Park; they could include local
habitats, as long as the research is feasible to accomplish in my
lab. Because of the time required to read and study the literature,
formulate a testable hypothesis, and perform the research, students
should anticipate the project taking at least 1.5 - 2 years. Students
who complete studies may be encouraged to write them up for publication
in an appropriate scientific journal.
Restrictions:
Prerequisite of BIO 345: Population Biology.
Douglas Frank
446 LSC
443-4529
dafrank@syr.edu |
