RESPECT Environmental changes in biodiversity hotspot ecosystems of South Ecuador: RESPonse and feedback effECTs [funded by DFG]
Project staff:
Prof. Dr. Nina Farwig
Prof. Dr. Jörg Bendix (Deputy Speaker)
Program description:
RESPECT aims to unveil for the mountain rain forest in South Ecuador how major ecosystem functions, (i) ecosystem biomass production, and (ii) water fluxes, are affected by ongoing and future environmental changes through alterations in response and effect traits of relevant biota. The research question is addressed with two approaches: (i) A newest generation Land Surface Model (LSM) and (ii) a statistical response–effect framework (REF). By including (i) specific Plant Functional Types (PFTs) for the megadiverse biodiversity hotspot, (ii) introducing trait diversity, (iii) new modules for tree hydraulics and (iv) new modules of focal biological processes (seed dispersal and PFT establishment, herbivory) we will conduct a biodiversification of LSMs.
