This three-year, $643,366 project grant from the National Science Foundation Division of Earth Sciences will support research into understanding the spatial and temporal variation in community assembly processes through leveraging ecological modeling, functional ecology, and the fossil record of small mammals over the late Quaternary period (past 21,000 years). Specifically, the University of California, Merced will conduct a comprehensive re-assessment of existing small mammal fossil records, simulation exercises to understand sensitivity of species distribution models to spatial and temporal uncertainties inherent in the fossil record, and construction of dynamic, near-continental species distribution models through time. These modeled range-wide distributions will then be analyzed to evaluate changes in community functional and trait composition, informing understanding of community assembly processes across scales. Findings will have implications for comprehending impacts of environmental and biotic change on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The research aligns with the goals of the NSF Geosciences program to expand knowledge of the integrated Earth system through basic research in atmospheric, earth, and ocean sciences.
Mod # | Description | Reason For Modification | Federal Obligation (Click to sort descending) | Date (Click to sort ascending) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not listed | $321.7k | 6/13/22 |