Biotic interactions and extended genetic effects

The lifetime fitness of an organism depends in part on how it responds to interactions with other species, and these interactions shape the evolution of many phenotypic traits. We investigate the interactions between eucalypts and other organisms to better understand the evolutionary ecology of these trees and the organisms that interact with them. We focus predominantly on the role of plant genetic variation in shaping tree traits (e.g. plant physical and chemical traits such as plant secondary metabolites [PSM]) and how these traits affect biotic interactions - including how genetic-based effects have cascading consequences on structuring dependent communities and ecosystem processes such as litter decomposition and nutrient cycling. We are increasingly interested in how these interactions are affected by changing climate and large-scale impacts such as fire. Working in native, restored and managed production eucalypt forests, our wide range of animal species of interest include mammalian herbivores such as the common brushtail possum and Tasmanian pademelon, invertebrate communities and endangered species such as the forty-spotted pardalote. 

Key researchers in this theme include Julianne O’Reilly-Wapstra, Brad Potts and Peter Harrison.

Interested Honours, Masters and PhD students can contact the group using the contact form at the bottom of this page.