Graduate Research Assistant University of Georgia Athens, Georgia
The presentations in this symposium highlight some of the work being done on deadwood dependent (i.e., saproxylic) invertebrates in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. While interest in the deadwood system has been growing, the majority of work has been narrowly focused taxonomically (on Coleoptera) and geographically (in western Europe). The ecological impacts, biodiversity, and conservation need of saproxylic organisms remains unknown for many parts of the world. We urge scientists to pursue research on saproxylic invertebrates outside of these realms. Certainly, the deadwood system offers abundant research opportunities in ecology, evolution, biodiversity, and more.
