FSD 2010 - Bullock

5th International Symposium-Workshop on Frugivores and Seed Dispersal (1985-2010)

James Bullock

Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Benson Lane
Wallingford
OX10 8BB
UK

Activities

As an applied ecologist I am interested in using studies of plant dispersal and spatial dynamics to inform conservation, risk assessment (invasions and GM), planning for climate change and habitat restoration. My fundamental interest in dispersal is to get accurate measures or modelling of (long distance) dispersal which can be used in models of spatial dynamics. I am interested in using statistical, mathematical and simulations models, whichever is best for the question. I am moving on to apply the understanding from such studies to consider large-scale questions relating to landscape restoration, extinction patterns, metacommunity dynamcs, etc. In all these studies, the roles of humans as integral parts of ecological systems is a central concern. As such, I am working with social scientists to bring their insights into human behaviours into my ecological analyses.

Abstract

Complex and simple models of plant spatial dynamics using real dispersal data

Dispersal is simply part of the life cycle and models are being developed to use dispersal data alongside standard demographic measures of birth, growth, fecundity and death. Models vary in complexity and generality from simple, general mathematical models to complex but specific individual-based simulations. These models are useful for different questions, but all require accurate measures of dispersal and other aspects of the life cycle. I present our studies which have implemented this philosophy in modelling the spatial dynamics of plants. These studies include modelling invasions, species re-introductions and metapopulation dynamics. I show how even simple models can be effective for answering complex questions. Conversely, complex models which include many real-life conditions such as stochasticity and realistic long-distance dispersal question the validity of metapopulation theory derived from simple models. The importance of the form and distance of the dispersal kernel is central to these studies, showing that intricate models can never replace detailed fieldwork to quantify dispersal. However, the whole life-cycle measures required for these models emphasise the importance of less fashionable parts of the life cycle, such as survival of the seedbank.

Some related references

Rey Benayas, J.M., Newton, A.C., Diaz, A. & Bullock, J.M. 2009. Enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystem services by ecological restoration: a meta-analysis. Science, 325, 1121-1124.

Keith, S.A., Newton, A.C., Morecroft, M.D., Bealey, C.E. & Bullock, J.M. 2009. Taxonomic homogenisation of woodland plant communities over seventy years. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 276, 3539-3544.

Wichmann, M., Alexander, M., Soons, M.B., Galsworthy, S., Dunne, L., Gould, R., Fairfax, C., Niggemann, M., Hails, R.S. & Bullock, J.M. 2009. Human mediated dispersal of seeds over long distances. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 276, 523-532.

Soons, M.B. & Bullock, J.M. 2008. Non-random seed abscission, long-distance wind dispersal and plant migration rates. Journal of Ecology, 96, 581-590.

Bullock, J.M., Pywell, R.F. & Coulson-Phillips, S.J. 2008. Managing plant population spread: prediction and analysis using a simple model. Ecological Applications, 18, 945-953.