Potential effects of climate change on species invasion and ecosystem function

We investigated the effects of climate change on the Biodiversity-Ecosystem Functioning relationship. The study took advantage of the water-filled leaves of S. purpurea of a cold, high altitude site in Switzerland. Species-rich and species-poor versions of these communities were transplanted to a warmer, low altitude site to simulate climate change. We then invaded these communities with a novel protozoa species. We quantified ecosystem function (prey breakdown) of these communities to determine the potential effect of climate change on species invasion and ecosystem function.  

Collaborators: Tom E. Miller, Sarah M. Gray, Alice Winn, and Louis-Félix Bersier

Funding: Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Scientific Exchange Grant