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Francis QuinbyI am studying the effects of climate change on the microbial ecology of boreal forest soils. Soil microbes play an essential role in boreal ecosystems, yet these microorganisms are often ignored when modelling the response of the boreal forest ecosystem to climate change. My project will test how the soil microbial community responds to predicted changes in temperature and precipitation through field sampling and a series of field experiments within the Kluane region in the Yukon Territory. Next-generation DNA sequencing technologies will allow for the detection of shifts in microbial community structure that can then be correlated with soil function and health, and subsequently related to ecosystem changes on a larger scale. If this microbial community shows resistance to the effects of climate change it could act as a mitigating factor, reducing the negative effects of climate change on the boreal ecosystem. Alternatively, if this community is susceptible to climate change, then it may compound these negative effects. Therefore, results will contribute to predictive modelling of boreal ecosystem response to climate change, which is vital information for steering conservation efforts in the region. Furthermore, this research will contribute to the large body of ecological knowledge on the Kluane ecosystem, as well increase our understanding of the interconnectedness between soil microbial life forms and above-ground ecosystems.
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Contact:
email: [email protected]
email: [email protected]