Welcome to the Terrestrial Ecology Group
Our research focuses on the study of plant-animal interactions in terrestrial ecosystems. We focus primarily on insular ecosystems, which we examine from both ecological and evolutionary perspectives. We are especially interested in determining to what extent biotic interactions are important in maintaining biodiversity. We also aim to better understand how and by how much such interactions, above all the positive ones (mutualisms), are threatened by the different drivers of global change.
Some recent publications from the group:
Long-term demographic consequences of a seed dispersal disruption
The loss or decline of vertebrate frugivores can limit the regeneration of plants that depend on them. However, empirical evidence is showing that this is still very scarce, as functionally equivalent species may contribute to maintain the mutualistic interaction. Here, we investigated the long-term consequences of the extinction of frugivorous lizards on the population persistence of a Mediterranean relict shrub Cneorum tricoccon (Cneoraceae). Read More
Demographic consequences for a threatened plant after the loss of its only disperser. Habitat suitability buffers limited seed dispersal
Seed dispersal links the end of a plant’s reproductive cycle with the establishment of new recruits. Dispersal over short distances may lead to the local aggregation of individuals, slower population growth and, ultimately, to lower population densities. Here, we analyse the demographic consequences for the shrub Daphne rodriguezii after the loss of its only seed disperser in an island ecosystem. Read More
