Kimberley Lemmen

Rapid evolution of zooplankton under conditions of stoichiometric imbalance: Consequences for
ecosystem functions and trophic interactions

According to ecological stoichiometry, consumers require biogenic elements (e.g. C, N, and P) in specific ratios and deviations from these ratios in food resources may result in lowered growth rates, fecundity and survival. A variety of consumer organisms have been shown to harbor substantial intra-specific genetic variation for the ability to cope with such elemental imbalances. An important implication is that stoichiometric imbalances can thus potentially be an important selection factor causing rapid micro- evolutionary adaptations in natural consumer populations. Such genetic adaptations can potentially be achieved in many ways and have important consequences for food web interactions and ecosystem functions. Through the combination of common garden  experiments and mathematical modeling, my PhD will (1) investigate the degree to which natural populations  can show rapid genetic adaptations to adverse stoichiometric conditions, (2) identify the ecologically  relevant traits through which adaptation takes place, (3) explore the ecological consequences of such  rapid evolution for nutrient cycling, primary productivity and predator-prey interactions, and (4) assess  the potential for the existence of positive evolutionary feedback loops.

Education

Master of Science (Biology)                                                                                                                                         2013

                Queen’s University, Canada

                Supervisor: Shelley Arnott

                Thesis: Species response to rapid environmental change in a Subarctic pond.

Bachelor of Science (Honours, with Distinction)                                                                                                     2010

                Queen’s University, Canada

                Honours Supervisor: Vicki Friesen

                Thesis: Investigation of Haida Gwaii as a Refugium: Population Genetics of the Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) and Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa).