BEEFY cross-disciplinary theme

BEEFY : Bridging Evolutionary ecology and Ecosystem Functioning to understand biodiversitY

MODERATORS : Laure GALLIEN, Sébastien IBANEZ

Our objective is to foster scientific discussions at the crossroads between the two main research themes : BIOM and MEEBIO. By favouring at the same time the sharing of data and methodological approaches, together with conceptual reflections, we aim at developing novel integrative research axes in order to better understand the various facets of biodiversity.

 

BEEFY tackles 3 research areas :

 

We have identified some areas in which a better integration of evolutionary ecology with ecosystem functioning will be fruitful for LECA, corresponding to the three following research topics :


– Linking genetic diversity and ecological processes :
What is the influence of intraspecific genetic diversity on various ecological processes like biotic interactions or litter decomposition ? What are the consequences of ignoring intraspecific variability when studying ecosystem properties, as commonly done ?

– Exploring eco-evolutionary feedbacks :
How do ecological and evolutionary processes interact to shape interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment ; and thus influence the stability of communities and ecosystems ? Are communities stable entities and if yes, over which timescales ? Can ecological stability be an evolved feature ?

– Bridging macro-ecology and macro-evolution :
What is the influence of evolutionary history on the current distribution of species and their associated functions ? How did phylogenetic niche conservatism influence the functioning of communities, especially microbial ones ?

 

BEEFY in practice :

 

We aim at discussing science between students, ingeneers, and researchers of different horizons, and stimulate the emergence of new and original scientific questions. These cross-disciplinary exchanges happen during regular brainstorming meetings taking place after dedicated seminars or Journal Club discussions.

For 2021, the first topic tackled is on the importance of eco-evolutionary feedbacks in plant-soil interactions.

 

What are the on-going projects ?

Projects
248