PhD defence Simona Laukaitytė
| When: | Mo 08-04-2024 at 11:00 |
| Where: | Academy Building & online |
Simona Laukaitytė (Marine Biology)
Promotores: Prof. B.D.H.K. Eriksson, Prof. M. Bishop (Macquairie University)
The role of fauna in seagrass habitats
This research delves into the intricate relationships between animals and plants in seagrass ecosystems, exploring how macro- and mega-fauna influence these habitats and how these interactions change under warming climate. The study focuses on non-consumptive positive species interactions, a less-explored aspect compared to trophic webs. The experiments spanned different seagrass species across three countries, investigating various life stages and utilizing both aquarium and field experiments.
The research reveals that bioturbation, the movement of sediment particles by infauna, significantly affects early seagrass life stages. The study also considers the impact of climate change on these interactions, specifically exploring how heat waves alter seed burial and germination. Results indicate the importance of understanding non-trophic interactions in the context of warming to comprehend the broader ecosystem effects of climate change.