3/17 14:00_Mr. Shih-Fan Chan_How does Behavior Modulate Species Interactions in Changing Thermal Environments ?
[Doctoral Dissertation Defense Presentation]
(Terrestrial Biodiversity and Ecosystems)
Time: 2023. 03. 17 Fri. 14:00
Venue: Auditorium, 1st Floor, Interdisciplinary Research Building
Speaker: Mr. Shih-Fan Chan
Ph.D. Candidate
1. TIGP Biodiversity Program, Academia Sinica
2. Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica
3. Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University
Title: How does Behavior Modulate Species Interactions in Changing Thermal Environments ?
Host: Dr. Sheng-Feng Shen
Abstract
Predicting how species interact under changing thermal environments due to anthropogenic environmental changes (e.g., climate & land-use changes) is crucial for forecasting future population sustainability. Here, we used mathematical models and field experiments on burying beetles (Nicrophorus nepalensis) and blowflies (Calliphoridae spp.) that compete for resources in common to tackle the questions. We found that land-use changes (i.e., deforestation) increase temperature variability and exacerbate the competitive disadvantage of nocturnal burying beetles. Furthermore, we also show that exploitative competition is critical in modulating competitive interaction between the two species with distinct temporal niches. On the other hand, we found that declines in the population density of the cooperative burying beetles also reduce their resistance to blowfly competition in warmer low elevations in deforested landscapes. The above results show two distinct categories of behavioral mechanisms modulating species interactions in changing thermal environments: (1) behaviors that determine the thermal environment experienced by the organisms and (2) behaviors that modify the thermal niche of the organisms. The results also highlight the importance of incorporating behavior and physiology to predict species interactions in the ongoing global environmental changes.
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