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).