>> Causes and consequences of species diversity in freshwater ecosystems
We're interested in understanding what regulates species distribution, composition, and diversity of freshwater metacommunities at multiple spatial scales. I have worked in a variety of environments using tadpoles and aquatic invertebrates as model organisms. Broad subjects include how biodiversity affects the functioning of multi-trophic freshwater ecosystems, how spatial distribution of organisms are affected by environmental gradients, and macroecological patterns of species richness. I often study not only taxonomic, but also functional and phylogenetic aspects of communities.
>> Eco-evolutionary dynamics in metacommunity ecology
Ecological communities are shaped by a variety of processes that operate at distinct temporal scales. There are now compelling evidence showing that evolution by natural selection can happen in a relatively short time. These eco-evolutionary feedbacks could potentially change species interaction and further influence evolutionary trajectories.
>> Phenotypic evolution and diversification of Neotropical species
Biological diversity is expressed in various ways. One of these is how species differ from each other. Species' traits may have themselves complex evolutionary histories, and by their turn can influence species distribution, interspecific interactions, speciation rates, and coexistence. I'm interested in unveiling the patterns of phenotypic evolution in Neotropical organisms by using the toolbox of modern comparative methods. Since, species traits can influence diversification patterns, leading to observable diversity patterns around the globe, I often integrate analytical tools and macroevolutionary theory to understand species distribution at broad spatial scales.
>> Evolutionary morphology of Neotropical anuran larvae
The morphological diversity of tadpoles is astonishing. Accordingly, the role of tadpoles in freshwater ecosystems has been challenged by recent studies with stable isotopes (Schiesari et al. 2009 Freshw Biol; Altig et al. 2007 Freshw Biol). Both the internal and external morphology of tadpole influence habitat use, food acquisition, diet composition, and several other ecological aspects, including their role in ecosystem functioning. Therefore, studying the morphology of tadpoles in an evolutionary context can help understanding community patterns and also freshwater ecosystem functioning.
- Provete et al. 2014 Hydrobiologia
- Livingston et al. 2017 J. Animal Ecology
- Villalobos et al. 2013 PLoS One
>> Eco-evolutionary dynamics in metacommunity ecology
Ecological communities are shaped by a variety of processes that operate at distinct temporal scales. There are now compelling evidence showing that evolution by natural selection can happen in a relatively short time. These eco-evolutionary feedbacks could potentially change species interaction and further influence evolutionary trajectories.
- Provete 2013. Natureza & Conservação
>> Phenotypic evolution and diversification of Neotropical species
Biological diversity is expressed in various ways. One of these is how species differ from each other. Species' traits may have themselves complex evolutionary histories, and by their turn can influence species distribution, interspecific interactions, speciation rates, and coexistence. I'm interested in unveiling the patterns of phenotypic evolution in Neotropical organisms by using the toolbox of modern comparative methods. Since, species traits can influence diversification patterns, leading to observable diversity patterns around the globe, I often integrate analytical tools and macroevolutionary theory to understand species distribution at broad spatial scales.
- Faria et al. 2017 PLoS One
- Franco-Belussi et al. 2017 Ecol & Evol
- Leite et al. 2015 Zool. Anz.
- Provete et al. 2012 Zool. Scripta
>> Evolutionary morphology of Neotropical anuran larvae
The morphological diversity of tadpoles is astonishing. Accordingly, the role of tadpoles in freshwater ecosystems has been challenged by recent studies with stable isotopes (Schiesari et al. 2009 Freshw Biol; Altig et al. 2007 Freshw Biol). Both the internal and external morphology of tadpole influence habitat use, food acquisition, diet composition, and several other ecological aspects, including their role in ecosystem functioning. Therefore, studying the morphology of tadpoles in an evolutionary context can help understanding community patterns and also freshwater ecosystem functioning.