Confronting the Changing Diversity Patterns of Coral Reefs

Coral reef ecosystems are in a state of change. Increasingly frequent and severe disturbances, and
escalation of human interactions, are transforming many tropical coral reefs. At the same time,
species are extending their ranges toward higher latitudes at remarkable pace, with tropical species
encroaching temperate rocky reef environments. Despite these changes to the organisation of these
critical ecosystems, we still rely on classic ecological theories of diversity patterns that were
developed in more stable conditions. These theories focus on biophysical processes, yet
environmental extremes (e.g. heat waves) and social factors (e.g. distance to markets) have come to
dominate ecological communities on many of the world's coastlines. This project will test if
latitudinal diversity gradients are changing on coastal reef ecosystems, with major implications for
ecology and conservation. Classic ecological theories will be confronted with contemporary diversity
patterns, and new theories of diversity patterns will be developed that incorporate social and
environmental variables. By tackling the topic using a multidisciplinary approach, the project aims to
better capture ecological organisation on contemporary coral reefs. The PhD will provide training in
independent thinking, field techniques, statistical modelling, social-ecological systems thinking, and
scientific writing. With supervisory and project support at Lancaster University and Bangor
University, UK, and James Cook University, Australia, the project offers unique opportunities for
research and training in coral reef science