Habitat patch shape, not corridors, determines herbivory and fruit production of an annual plant

Nash Turley
This week we recognize the work of PhD student Nash Turley from the Johnson Lab.

In this paper, which is currently in press at Ecology, Nash and his collaborators examine how habitat fragmentation affects the movement and abundance of insect herbivores, and how this in turn affects insect damage on plants. They find that patch shape and not the connectedness of patches, has the largest effect on insect damage and plant fitness. This provides insight into how conservation corridors can influence species interactions.

Nash will be around for a few more years so we look forward to seeing future developments. Great job, Nash!

Read this paper »