Organized Oral Session
Isaac Shepard
University of Maine, United States
Hamish Greig
Associate Professor
University of Maine, United States
Hamish Greig
Associate Professor
University of Maine, United States
The role of species’ interactions for determining range margins has been broadly discussed in ecology with little consensus. While established hypotheses posit that interactions may be more important on the warm vs cold edge of species ranges, a growing number of empirical studies of both plant and animal taxa are showing that interactions can be important on either edge. Further missing from the discussion is the role of mutualisms or positive species interactions which also play important roles in setting range margins in some contexts including abiotically stressful range edges. Layered over this ongoing debate is the role of climate change in altering the abiotic conditions at species range margins, modifying interactions, and causing range shifts. Thus, it is critical that we take integrative approaches to understanding the role of species interactions in setting range margins. This session brings together researchers who study biotic interactions at range margins across a broad range of ecosystems to explore general patterns and specific empirical studies that bring important perspectives to the table. Specifically, talks will cover competition, predation and mutualisms in plants and animals in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Presenting Author: Isaac D. Shepard – University of Maine
Co-author: Hamish Greig – University of Maine
Presenting Author: Anna Hargreaves – McGill University
Presenting Author: Alexej Sirén – Vermont Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Co-author: Marketa Zimova, PhD – Appalachian State University
Co-author: Chris Sutherland, PhD – University of St. Andrews
Co-author: John Finn, PhD – University of Massachusetts
Co-author: Jillian Kilborn, MSc – New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Co-author: Rachel Cliche, BS – US Fish and Wildlife Service
Co-author: Leighlan Prout, MSc – US Forest Service
Co-author: L Scott Mills, PhD – University of Montana
Co-author: Toni Lyn Morelli – U.S. Geological Survey Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center
Presenting Author: Joshua Lynn – University of Bergen
Co-author: Tom E.X. Miller – Rice University
Co-author: Jennifer A. Rudgers – University of New Mexico
Presenting Author: David A. Moeller – University of Minnesota
Co-author: John W. Benning – University of Wyoming