Species and interaction diversity in plants and phytophagous insects

Abstract

This project proposes to expand the inventory of a model system to allow the development and testing of descriptive and predictive models for the structure of biological diversity and its response to different factors. We intend to investigate components of ecological communities chosen on a functional and structural basis. In this way, it should be feasible to ascertain more directly the relationship of biological diversity to its historical and functional determinants. We also expect to produce effective methods to parameterise biological diversity with regard to environment-altering processes, as a tool to monitor ecological effects of environmental change, to priorize conservation areas, and so forth. The model system for this project are the Compositae (Asteraceae) and their associated phytophagous insects. Based on previous experience, we intend to inventory systematically the host association of different phytophagous groups (especially Lepidoptera and Diptera) and if possible their parasitoids, with Asteraceae in different habitats and areas with various degrees and kinds of disturbance. We will prioritise cerrado areas, due to the interest in conservation of cerrado and extensive pre-existing information. Other areas to be prioritised include highland meadows in mountain ranges (Serra do Mar, Mantiqueira, and Espinhaço) and bogs in various biomes. We will also prioritise invading and ruderal species in agroecosystems and disturbed habitats. Field work will be essentially carried out throughout the State of São Paulo and neighboring states. The objectives of this study include: to investigate the structure of biological diversity in subsets of natural communities composed of plants and their associated phytophagous insects and natural enemies; to develop methods to separate total biological diversity in components of different spatial, temporal and structural scales; to correlate diversity in these systems with that of other taxa or community subunits; to investigate the structure of species interactions in these model systems by applying existing analyses and theory or by developing new approaches; to investigate the contribution of genetical, phylogenetic, chemical and ecological factors in determining species diversity or interaction diversity and its variation on different. (AU)