Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 16 Apr 2003 to 17 Apr 2003 (#2003-104) There are 7 messages totalling 439 lines in this issue. Topics of the day: 1. PCA and repeated measures 2. Seed dispersal Research Experience for Undergrads in the tropics 3. JOB: Undergraduate research experience on Seed dispersal in the TROPICS 4. Body size distributions 5. listserv job announcement 6. Postdoc: LTER, NM 7. Graduate assistantships at Univ. of Wyoming ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2003 09:01:13 -0400 From: Christopher Beck <cbeck@BIOLOGY.EMORY.EDU> Subject: PCA and repeated measures A student and I are working on the analysis of some of his data from a field project and were looking for suggestions on doing a principal components analysis for an experiment with repeated measures. We have 3 different plot types that have been replicated. Each plot was sampled for 11 different soil parameters on four different occassions. Rather than doing 11 separate repeated-measures ANOVAs, we would like do reduce the number of variables using PCA. It seems as if there are two approaches that we could take. 1. Consider each sample as a separate observation so that we would only have 11 variables entered into the PCA. Then, carry out a repeated-measures ANOVA on the PCs. This seems problematic because the samples of the same plot are not independent. 2. Consider parameter measured at each sampling as separate variables so that we would have 44 variables entered into the PCA. Then, carry out a one-way ANOVA on the PCs. The problem with this approach would be that we would be unable to look at changes over time. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions on either of the above approaches or whether there is a better way to go about this analysis. -- Dr. Christopher Beck Department of Biology Emory University 1510 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30322 Email: cbeck@biology.emory.edu ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2003 10:14:25 -0400 From: Denise Hardesty <hardesty@PLANTBIO.UGA.EDU> Subject: Seed dispersal Research Experience for Undergrads in the tropics We have funding to support an undergraduate student interested in gaining field and laboratory experience in the tropics. Airfare and room/board (~$800 per month) while living on Barro Colorado Island, Panama will be provided for 90+ days, beginning early May until mid August (dates flexible). An additional small stipend is possible. BCI has modern laboratories and computing facilities in addition to immediate access to the best-studied tropical forest in the world. Work entails assisting in identifying and collecting tissue from adult trees and seedlings of focal species from already mapped populations within the 50 ha long term forest dynamics plot; mapping, identify, and collect tissue from these focal species within a 100 m buffer zone around the perimeter of the existing plot and from other populations on the island and within the Barro Colorado National Monument. Populations sampled will be mapped using a GPS. The student will gain experience working at a site based on a long-term, large- scale ecological study, to learn how to design and carry out independent research, and to be exposed to the intellectual and cultural environment at an international biological research station. The student can also participate in the microsatellite genetic analysis of collected samples, thus combining field and molecular laboratory work. This work will involve DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and high throughput genetic analysis using acrylamide gels and an automated sequencer. Student will be encouraged to design and carry out his/her own independent research related to the project. Potential independent projects may include monitoring and analysis of animal pollinator and/or disperser behavior at focal trees, examination of seedling microsite associations (light, topography, soil moisture) for the focal species, experimental manipulation of germination requirements and seed predation, co-dispersal of seeds by shared animal dispersers, and/or herbivory studies of focal species at different microsites. The cultural enrichment opportunity associated with this project should not be overlooked. In addition to exposure to Panamanian culture, students will be living in an international community of scientists from more than fifteen countries. Students with rudimentary Spanish skills or a desire to improve their language capabilities will be encouraged to apply. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2003 10:33:20 -0400 From: Denise Hardesty <hardesty@PLANTBIO.UGA.EDU> Subject: JOB: Undergraduate research experience on Seed dispersal in the TRO ICS Seed dispersal in the tropics ^Ö job opp.for Undergrads We have funding to support an undergraduate student interested in gaining field and laboratory experience in tropical ecology. Airfare and room/board and a small stipend while living on Barro Colorado Island, Panama will be provided for 90+ days, beginning early May until mid August (dates flexible). BCI has modern laboratories and computing facilities in addition to immediate access to the best-studied tropical forest in the world. Work entails assisting in identifying and collecting tissue from adult trees and seedlings of focal species from already mapped populations within the 50 ha long term forest dynamics plot; mapping, identify, and collect tissue from focal species within a buffer zone around the existing plot and from other populations. You will gain experience working at a site based on a long-term, large-scale ecological study, learn how to design and carry out independent research, and be exposed to the intellectual and cultural environment at an international biological research station. The student can also participate in the microsatellite genetic analysis of collected samples, thus combining field and molecular laboratory work. This work will involve DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and high throughput genetic analysis using acrylamide gels and an automated sequencer. Experience in lab techniques useful! Student will be encouraged to design and carry out his/her own independent research related to the project. Potential projects may include monitoring and analysis of animal pollinator and/or disperser behavior at focal trees, examination of seedling microsite associations (light, topography, soil moisture) for the focal species, experimental manipulation of germination requirements and seed predation, co-dispersal of seeds by shared animal dispersers, and/or herbivory studies of focal species at different microsites. Send letter of interest, resume, 3 references, and dates of availability electronically to Denise Hardesty, hardesty@plantbio.uga.edu. ------------------- Britta Denise Hardesty Plant Biology Department University of Georgia 706.583.0442 2502 Miller Plant Sciences Athens, GA 30605 hardesty@plantbio.uga.edu current address (until 2004) Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Unit 0948 APO AA 34002-0948 507.212.8835 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2003 11:18:52 -0300 From: Andres M Cuervo <wa022129@CNNET.CLU.EDU> Subject: Body size distributions Dear all, I'm wondering whether there are published review papers dealing with: - Explanations for right-skewed body size distributions (in a wide range of taxa and assemblages) - Body size as as predictor of species responses to habitat disturbance I'm aware that there is a quite large amount of researches that tested whether body size change or not with habitat disturbances for particular populations. But, is there any review paper about that? I would like to see any important readings forward that would you recommend me. Thank you very much in advance, Andrés Cuervo -- ANDRES M. CUERVO Department of Biology University of Puerto Rico P.O. Box 23360 San Juan, PR 00931-3360 787-764-0000 X 4882,4879 Fax: 787-764-2610 wa022129@cnnet.clu.edu ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2003 10:49:18 -0700 From: Sandy DeSimone <sdesimone@AUDUBON.ORG> Subject: listserv job announcement Below you will find a job announcement for the ECOLOG listserv: SUMMER FIELD ASSISTANT Starr Ranch Sanctuary Trabuco Canyon, CA Audubon's Starr Ranch Sanctuary in southeast Orange County, CA solicits applicants for a position as summer field assistant with our artichoke thistle control and grassland/coastal sage scrub restoration project. This research-based program aims to control the invasive grassland species, Cynara cardunculus (artichoke thistle), without chemicals and restore to native habitat. Summer is our dry season and field work winds down but does continue at a slower pace. Must be willing to do manual labor, including mechanical removal of artichoke thistle and other weed species. Will enter and help summarize data from censuses and experiments on weed control and restoration techniques. Must have willingness and enthusiasm to help with all aspects of weed control and restoration, including work in our native plant nursery, native seed collection and processing, and cleaning and organizing equipment. Experience and training in field ecology an asset. Opportunity to live on our 4000 acre Sanctuary. Position runs May or June through end August, 2003. Salary: $250/week plus housing. Qualifications: College graduate with ecological, biological, or conservation background. Experience in field plant ecology, weed control, or restoration desirable but not essential. To Apply: Send cover letter stating career goals, résumé, and two letters of recommendation to: Dr. Sandy DeSimone, Director - research and education; 100 Bell Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679; (949) 858-0309; fax (949) 858-1013. For more information: sdesimone@audubon.org; http://www.starr-ranch.org ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2003 16:31:57 -0400 From: David Inouye <inouye@umd.edu> Subject: Postdoc: LTER, NM POSITION: Postdoctoral Associate The Long Term Ecological Research Network Office at the University of New Mexico, in collaboration with the San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of Kansas, and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, seeks a postdoctoral associate with interests in education, ecology and information technology. We are developing cutting edge technology for the integration, analysis, and synthesis of heterogeneous ecological data, and need an educator for community outreach and training. Training will take place in traditional workshop and tutorial settings, in an innovative annual workshop for new faculty, in web-based distributed graduate seminars, and via downloadable web resources. The position is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the University of New Mexico, and is fully funded for 3 years. RESPONSIBILITIES: Development of educational resources and curricula for ecologists, field biologists, and environmental scientists, on the application of advanced information technologies to scientific discovery, research and teaching. Curricula development for, and teaching of, workshops, distributed graduate seminars, and tutorials. Web resources content development. APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 1, 2003 QUALIFICATIONS: PhD in Ecology, Education, IT, or related fields. Commitment to excellence in graduate/post-graduate education required; teaching experience preferred. Knowledge of scientific, ecological and/or high-performance computing preferred. CONTACT INFO: To apply, please submit cover letter, CV/resume, and three references to: Deana Pennington, UNM Department of Biology, MSC03 2020, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, or by email to dpennington@LTERnet.edu . UNM is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In its commitment to diversity and equity, persons from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2003 13:42:00 -0600 From: Ann Hild <annhild@UWYO.EDU> Subject: Graduate assistantships at Univ. of Wyoming Please post. If interested please respond directly to -- Ann Hild, Associate Professor Dept. of Renewable Resources Box 3354 University of Wyoming Laramie, WY 82071 Office:(307) 766-5471 Fax: (307) 766-6403 Home page: http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/RenewableResources/range/hild.htm Visit our website for more info at http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/RenewableResources Graduate Assistantship in Weed Ecology University of Wyoming Dept. of Renewable Resources A graduate student research assistantship is available to support a Ph.D. student in the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Wyoming. The successful candidate will investigate the relationship of fire to encroachment of rush skeletonweed into Wyoming big sagebrush communities of southwestern Idaho. This research project is a Research Joint Venture project between the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Boise, Idaho and the University of Wyoming, Department of Renewable Resources, Laramie, Wyoming . Course work will be completed at the University of Wyoming during the academic year. The student will be stationed in Boise, Idaho during summer field work. Field research for this project requires extensive vegetative monitoring in remote areas where summer temperatures often exceed 90oF. Required: Undergraduate degree and field experience in terrestrial plant ecology, weed science, fire ecology, botany, plant science, rangeland ecology, or closely related fields. Applicant must be energetic, able to take initiative and possess excellent written and interpersonal communication skills. Additional preferred skills: experienced in GPS, GIS, statistics, soils, and computer applications. M.S. in botany, rangeland ecology or related field desired for PhD applicants. Stipend for an M.S. student is $10,062 and for a Ph.D. student $14,400 for the 9 month academic year. Additional summer stipend, tuition and continuous health insurance are also provided. Send 1) resume, 2) transcripts, 3) three letters of reference, 4) GRE scores and 5) a professional goals statement to Dr. Ann Hild, Box 3354, Department of Renewable Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071. Direct inquiries to annhild@uwyo.edu. Formal application to the Graduate School (available online) will be required prior to admission to the program. Applications will be evaluated until a candidate is selected. Course work may begin as soon as summer, 2003. Graduate Assistantship in Grassland Invasion Ecology University of Wyoming Dept. of Renewable Resources A graduate student research assistantship is available to support a M.S. or Ph.D. student in the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Wyoming. The successful candidate will investigate the relationship of weed encroachment to native species presence in northern and central Great Plains grassland communities. This research project is a funded by a national grant to the University of Wyoming, Department of Renewable Resources, Laramie, Wyoming . Course work will be completed at the University of Wyoming during the academic year. The student will be stationed in field invasion sites in Wyoming, Idaho and Colorado during summer field work. Field research for this project requires extensive vegetative monitoring in remote areas, and environmental growth chamber lab and greenhouse activities. Required: Undergraduate degree and field experience in terrestrial plant ecology, weed science, fire ecology, botany, plant science, rangeland ecology, or closely related fields. Applicant must be energetic, able to take initiative and possess excellent written and interpersonal communication skills. Additional preferred skills: experienced in GPS, statistics, soils, and computer applications. Candidates with interest and experience with genetic lab procedures or greenhouse grow-out experiments is preferred. M.S. in botany, rangeland ecology or related field desired for PhD applicants. Stipend for an M.S. student is $10,062 and for a Ph.D. student $14,400 for the 9 month academic year. Additional summer stipend, tuition and continuous health insurance are also provided. Send 1) resume, 2) transcripts, 3) three letters of reference, 4) GRE scores and 5) a professional goals statement to Dr. Ann Hild, Box 3354, Department of Renewable Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071. Direct inquiries to annhild@uwyo.edu. Formal application to the Graduate School (available online) will be required prior to admission to the program. Applications will be evaluated until a candidate is selected. Course work may begin as soon as Fall 2003. Graduate Assistantship in Tallgrass Grassland Ecology University of Wyoming Dept. of Renewable Resources A graduate student research assistantship is available to support a M.S. student in the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Wyoming. The successful candidate will investigate the tallgrass prairie in North Dakota at the Tewaukon Nation Wildlife Refuge. Only about 1% of the total tallgrass prairie still exists today in North Dakota and the Tewaukon National Wildlife Complex has approximately 3716 acres of native prairie. These areas historically have received a variety of management applications from prescribed fire, grazing, haying, mowing, and weed control. The Tewaukon NWRıs staff is working to target specific priority areas to manage for tallgrass prairie birds. Nine areas (6 on Refuge) have native prairie tracts that will be managed to restore the diverse native floral communities. This research project is a funded by a cooperative agreement between the University of Wyoming, Department of Renewable Resources and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Course work will be completed at the University of Wyoming during the academic year. The student will be stationed at Tewaukon NWR during summer field work. Field research for this project requires extensive vegetative monitoring in summer, and greenhouse activities during the academic year. Required: Undergraduate degree and field experience in terrestrial plant ecology, weed science, fire ecology, botany, plant science, rangeland ecology, or closely related fields. Applicant must be energetic, able to take initiative and possess excellent written and interpersonal communication skills. Preferred skills: experienced in vegetative sampling and plant taxonomic keys, greenhouse experiments and strong computer skills. Stipend for an M.S. student is $10,062 for the 9-month academic year. Additional summer stipend, tuition and continuous health insurance are provided. The project may begin as soon as May 2003. Formal application to the Graduate School (available online) will be required prior to admission. Send all application materials directly to Dr. Hild. Send 1) resume, 2) transcripts, 3) three letters of reference, 4) GRE scores and 5) a professional goals statement 6) graduate school application directly to: Dr. Ann Hild, Box 3354, Department of Renewable Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071. Direct inquiries to annhild@uwyo.edu. ------------------------------ End of ECOLOG-L Digest - 16 Apr 2003 to 17 Apr 2003 (#2003-104) *************************************************************** ˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙
Thanks to discussion with TVR, I have decided to put a link to back files of the discussion group. This months back files.
The link to complete archives is available elsewhere.
This text was originally an e-mail. It was converted using a program
RUPANTAR- a simple e-mail-to-html converter.
(c)Kolatkar Milind. kmilind@ces.iisc.ernet.in