My research interests cover the aspects of ecology - landscape ecology
and large-scale ecosystem processes, the interactions between human land
use and biodiversity, and the ecology of soil invertebrates.
Soil Zoology and Ecology
Soil invertebrates provide a great study subject on which to test
modern ecological theories. New Zealand has a diverse, largely endemic
land invertebrate fauna, yet little is known about the NZ soil biotic
communities. Soil invertebrates are very sensitive to their environment,
and are good indicators for the impacts of land management practices.
The ecology of rare species is another interesting research topic - invertebrates
support many rare species of birds.
In Ecology group we have excellent facilities for studying invertebrates.
Visit Soil Biodiversity Lab
to find out more about soil fauna and our facilities.
Ecosystem Ecology
Ecosystem ecology examines the relationships among various elements
of an ecosystem. I use quantitative techniques to study the interactions
between the environmant, biota, and human activities. This type of research
benefits from the application of GIS, remote sensing, and modelling. Emphasis
is placed on an interdisciplinary approach to research.
Projects
Several current projects and potential research areas are available:
- Biodiversity, population ecology and distribution of terrestrial invertebrates.
-
Origins
and genetics of cosmopolitan species.
-
Discovery
and description of new species.
-
Soil
community and ecosystem function.
-
Effects
of land use practices and habitat fragmentation on invertebrate species.
-
Quantitative
description and modelling of distribution patterns using environmental
variables and gradient analysis.
-
The
trade-offs between economic development and biodiversity conservation.
-
The
influence of land use patterns on regional climate and water balance.
- Long-term land use sustainability.
|
Peripatus. Photo:
M.Minor & A.Robertson |
|
Looking
for research students!!!
I am looking for postgraduate research students.
If you are interested in studying for Master's Degree or PhD in
Ecology, Soil Biology, or Ecosystems Ecology, please contact me
directly. I will help you to achieve your goals.
Examples of projects can be found in the Projects section. If you
have a project idea, I will be happy to discuss your interests with
you. Check the link below to find out more on postgraduate studies
in Ecology Group.
More
>>
Other information
Internal biology students of Massey University - casual employment
(4-6 hrs/week) is sometimes available. Check the link below to find
out more.
More >> |
Alpine tree weta. Photo: M.Minor &
A.Robertson |
