Ecological studies are the bridge that link biodiversity and global change issues. Please
join us at the joint OEB Seminar and Harvard University Center for the Environment Bank of
America series on
Biodiversity, Ecology, and Global Change
“Fungal Diversity, Global Change, and Ecosystems”
Kathleen Treseder, Associate Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of
California, Irvine
Wednesday, April 20
5:00 pm
Biolabs Lecture Hall
Harvard University
16 Divinity Ave
Cambridge, MA
Abstract: We are investigating the role of fungi in mediating ecosystem responses to
global change. Specifically, we tested for changes in the community composition and
function of fungi under global warming, and examined potential consequences for the
release of greenhouse gases from the soil. Our goal was to determine whether fungi might
form positive or negative feedbacks on global warming. Our studies were conducted in
boreal soils in Alaska, where a significant portion of the Earth’s carbon is stored. We
used quantitative PCR and DNA sequencing to characterize shifts in the abundance and
diversity of fungi, and we found that fungal abundance declined while fungal diversity
increased. Overall, our findings suggest that in the short term, fungi may form a negative
feedback on global warming owing to their decrease in abundance, respiration, and use of
recalcitrant organic nitrogen. Over the longer term, however, changes in the fungal
community might lead to proliferation of fungal taxa that target lignocellulose, which
could ultimately reduce soil carbon storage.
Kathleen Treseder’s research examines the role of fungi in mediating ecosystem responses
to global change. Along with bacteria and other soil biota, fungi control several critical
biogeochemical processes, including plant nutrient acquisition, decomposition of dead
biomass, sequestration of nutrients in living and dead fungal tissue, and release of trace
gases such as methyl halides. By trying to understand the specific fungal groups involved
and their individual responses to the environment, her research tries to predict
ecosystem-level responses to environmental variation.
The Biodiversity, Ecology, and Global Change lecture series is sponsored by the Harvard
University Center for the Environment with generous support from Bank of America. The
lecture will be followed by a reception in the Biolabs lobby.
Contact:
Lisa Matthews
Events Coordinator
Harvard University Center for the Environment
24 Oxford Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
lisa_matthews(a)harvard.edu
p. 617-495-8883
f. 617-496-0425
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