Ecological restoration is a land management tool for biological conservation in areas where ecosystems are subject to a suite of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. This approach is particularly critical in urban areas where disturbances are often frequent and substantial. Restoration projects aim to re-establish an entire ecosystem, including the native...
The symbiotic relationships between ectomycorrhizal fungi (EcM) and host plants are vital for the survival and diversification of each group. Here we introduce the Suillus / Pinaceae model system to address evolutionary relationships between EcM fungi and host plants. Genus Suillus has higher host specificity than other groups of EcM...
Wind pollination has evolved from animal pollination at least 65 times in flowering plants, but the reverse transition is rare. Wind pollination is usually accompanied by the loss of traits that attract pollinators, and re-evolving them may be difficult. This dissertation examines this rare transition using Artocarpus (ca. 70 spp.,...
Many species have lost their natural habitat due to anthropogenic land use change. Ecologists are increasingly looking at habitat in cities to bolster efforts to conserve biodiversity. Green roofs are examples of urban habitats that are becoming more common globally. Green roofs can provide resources to support life in an...