research

Physiological ecology of animals in hot deserts-

This line of research examines the energy and water balance of desert birds and the physiology that underlines

Effects of global warming on animal communities-

Current climate change models predict an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme events which include heat waves and drought

Cacti as nutrient resources for desert animals-

Effects of climate variability on resource use by consumers-

The Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico s characterized by two seasonal pulses of rainfall which support differing plant communities.  Winter rainfall supports the production of annual and perennial plants that use the C3 photosynthetic pathway.  The summer monsoon, in contrast, drives the production of primarily C4 grasses and a more limited C3 community. We are interested in how climate variability and rainfall fuel pulses of primary production and feed the food web in this water limited ecosystem. Our research group uses stable isotopes to trace the flow of nutrients from plants into an array of consumers.  Research thus far on the Sevilleta LTER has examined the relative importance of C3 versus C4 resources to grasshoppers (Sophia Engel), lizards (Robin Warne), small mammals (Alaina Pershall), box turtles (Ian Murray) and robber flies (Hilary Lease).  more...