Seminar: Salamander Ecology in a Rapidly Changing World, Jan. 26

The Biological & Biomedical Sciences Research Seminar Series presents Dr. John C. Maerz, University of Georgia, on “Salamander Ecology in a Rapidly Changing World” Jan.  26 at 4 p.m. in Irvine 159.

Dr. John Maerz

Maerz is Associate Professor of Vertebrate Ecology at the University of Georgia.

Abstract: Globally, salamanders comprise only 9 percent of known amphibian species, but salamanders compose 55 percent of North American amphibians and 70 percent of the amphibian species that occur in the Appalachian Mountains. North American is home to 29 percent of the world’s salamander diversity, and the Appalachian Range is a global hotspot for salamander diversity. In forests and headwater streams, salamanders are the most numerous vertebrates and influence a number of ecosystem processes.

In this way are a distinguishing feature of North American forest ecosystems compared to similar ecosystems around the world. However, invasive species, exurban development, and pollution all impact the ecology of salamanders and the influence they have on ecosystem processes. Moreover, shifting climates threaten many species in the regions of high diversity. Our understanding of how environmental change affects salamander communities will be vital to effective conservation and to forecast potential changes in ecosystem function.

Upcoming Spring 2015 Events

Jan. 27, Dr. Jodi Brandt, Conservation Biology Candidate, on The Implementation of Ecotourism as a Sustainable Land-Use System: Empirical Insights from a  Biodiversity Hotspot” at 4 p.m. in Irvine 159.

Jan. 29, Dr. Viorel Popescu, Conservation Biology Candidate, on “Wildlife Conservation in a Changing World: From Autecology to Large-Scale Conservation Planning” at 3 p.m. in Irvine 159.

Feb. 2, Dr. Adam Ford, Conservation Biology Candidate, on “Conserving Trophic Dynamics and Animal Movement in Human-Dominated Landscapes: Case Studies from Large Carnivores” at 4 p.m. in Irvine 159.

Feb. 9, Maria Elena de Bellard, Cal State University Northridge, “The Role of Slit Tumor Suppressor Gene in Neural Crest Delamination” at 4 p.m. in Irvine 159.

April 20, Dr. Yoon-Seong Kim, University of Central Florida, on “Alpha-Synuclein in Neurodegeneration” at 4 p.m. in Irvine 159.