Evolutionary Ecology
RESEARCH THEMES
We are broadly focused on questions in the evolutionary ecology of plants and
fungi. Our model organisms are typically long-lived herbaceous perennials, such
as weedy plantains and rare orchids. With this broad assemblage of plants, we
both theorize and experimentally test ideas dealing with several broad subjects:
1. Life history evolution
2. Evolution of interactions
3. Population dynamics
4. Conservation ecology
5. Fungal population and community ecology
Here are a few of the specific topics that we cover:
We are broadly focused on questions in the evolutionary ecology of plants and
fungi. Our model organisms are typically long-lived herbaceous perennials, such
as weedy plantains and rare orchids. With this broad assemblage of plants, we
both theorize and experimentally test ideas dealing with several broad subjects:
1. Life history evolution
2. Evolution of interactions
3. Population dynamics
4. Conservation ecology
5. Fungal population and community ecology
Here are a few of the specific topics that we cover:
 | Eco-evolutionary dynamics |
| Vegetative dormancy in long-lived plants |
| Evolutionary context of reproductive schedules |
| Mycorrhizal symbiosis and coevolution |
| Evolution of senescence |
| Evolution of complex life histories |
| Demographic estimation methods |
| Macroevolution in plants and fungi |
| Soil microbial determination of plant communities | |
Copyright 2012 Richard P. Shefferson. All rights reserved.
Research Interests
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |