EMMA M. BIRDSEY - PhD CANDIDATE
EDUCATION
BSc (Hons), 1st, University of Plymouth - Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology
MSc, Distinction, University of Exeter - Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology
RESEARCH
Effects of invasive species on marine biodiversity associated with subtidal habitat-forming species
I am investigating associations between habitat-forming marine species and mobile fauna, and how they are impacted through the introduction of exotic species. Sessile marine fauna (such as corals, ascidians and bryozoans) support very diverse assemblages of mobile invertebrates that are an important trophic link to consumers such as fish. Exotic species commonly form habitat in regions affected by human impacts, and may have major consequences for marine systems and result in profound economic damage from lost biodiversity. Central to predicting and managing their impacts is knowledge of the specificity of associations between habitat-forming species and the assemblages they support.
I will manipulate the composition of habitat-forming species in the field in the Sydney region to investigate the impacts of exotic species on their associated fauna, and more generally, the relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
PREVIOUS RESEARCH
- Maternal effects and the evolution of sexual traits in birds - Masters project, Drs. Jonathan Blount and John Hunt, University of Exeter
- Oystercatcher foraging behaviour on aggregations of limpets - Honours project, Assoc. Prof. Ross Coleman and Dr. Pete Cotton, University of Plymouth
PUBLICATIONS
Birdsey E.M., Coleman R.A. & Cotton P.A. In review. The foraging response of oystercatchers when prey availability varies independently from abundance. Journal of Avian Biology.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE PAPERS
Birdsey E.M., Johnston E.L. & Poore A.G.B. (2009). Animal on animal: Subtidal habitat-forming marine animals and associated mobile epifauna. 8th International Temperate Reefs Symposium. Adelaide, Australia.
Birdsey E.M., Johnston E.L. & Poore A.G.B. (2008). Associations between habitat-forming marine animals and mobile fauna. 33rd Annual Conferences of the Ecological Society of Australia. The University of Sydney.
Birdsey E.M., Johnston E.L. & Poore A.G.B. (2008). Associations between habitat-forming marine animals and mobile fauna. Australian Marine Science Association conference 2008. Christchurch, NZ.
Birdsey E.M., Coleman R.A. & Cotton P.A. (2008) Know your prey: The foraging response of oystercatchers when prey availability varies independently of abundance. 35th Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Coffs Harbour, University of New England, Australia.
Coleman R.A., Cotton P.A. & Birdsey E.M. (2007) Food supply and foraging behaviour: Attacks by oystercatchers on aggregated prey. 42nd European Marine Biology Symposium. Kiel, Germany.
Birdsey E.M., Griffith S.C., Hunt J., Owens I.P.F. & Blount J.D. (2007) ‘Eggs and ornaments: The evolutionary consequences of maternal effects in birds.’ Edward Grey Institute of Ornithology Student Conference. University of Oxford, UK.
AWARDS
Australian Marine Science Association Conference 2008 Ron Kenny Highly Commended Prize
SEE ALSO
CONTACT DETAILS
Email: e.birdsey
student.unsw.edu.au
Tel: +61(0)2 9385 3447
