Trait-based Eco-evolutionary Theory
Dr. Chris Klausmeier
January 28th, 2026
In-Person Event at 13-105 CHS
Trait-based Eco-evolutionary Theory
Abstract:
Trait-based approaches are increasingly seen as a way to reduce the complexity of ecological communities and to incorporate functional diversity in ecosystem models. In this talk I will present our recent work developing and applying trait-based theory. First, I will give an overview of trait-based approaches to modeling ecological and eco-evolutionary dynamics and how they can enhance our understanding of community structure and ecosystem functioning. Then I will give examples of how they can be applied to complex temporally varying systems, including seasonally and directionally changing environments. Finally, I will describe recent theory on how local selection and immigration from the regional species pool interact to determine distribution of commonness and rarity in ecological communities and an experimental test.
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Dr. Chris Klausmeier
MSU Foundation Professor, KBS and Plant Biology, Michigan State University
klausme1@msu.edu | Personal page
Host: Van Savage
Online flyer
