Fri 27 Apr 2018: 10.00am – Lawrence Liao on the clues herbarium specimens provide about recent environmental changes

Friday, 27 April 2018 | 10am | DBS Conference Room 1 SEMINAR
Hosted by A/P Peter Todd

“Dead Men Tell No Tales but Dead Plants Do: Herbarium specimens provide clues about recent environmental changes”

By Lawrence M. Liao
Associate Professor, Graduate School of Biosphere
Science, Hiroshima University

About the talk – “Herbarium specimens deposited in museums around the world have traditionally been used to support taxonomic studies. Lately, new uses have been identified on top of their traditional roles. Some histological and chemical features therein have been used to describe and relate with changing environmental conditions, providing proxy data potentially useful for studies in climate and environmental change.

In this presentation, examples from flowering plants and marine algae showing variability in phenology and morphological characteristics including their presence or absence have been used for mapping general community changes through time and space, biogeographical shifts, invasion history, urbanization and other anthropogenic impacts, affording a record of the recent past even if sketchy and perhaps, a peek into the future.

About the speaker – Associate Professor Lawrence Liao has worked with hundreds of herbarium specimens as part of his research on the taxonomy of marine algae in the USA and Southeast Asia. He took graduate courses at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of the Philippines and was a recipient of a research fellowship in museums management at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Still very much active within the ASEAN network of seaweed taxonomists, he is completing a seaweed database of the South China Sea.

He is the president of the Association of Systematic Biologists of the Philippines and currently holds a teaching appointment at the Graduate School of Biosphere Science of Hiroshima University.

Fri 27 Apr 2018: 11.00am – Roman Carrasco on “Strategies to reconcile wild nature and tropical agriculture”

Friday 27 April 2018 | 11am | DBS Conference Room 1 SEMINAR
Hosted by Prof Rudolf Meier

Strategies to reconcile wild nature and tropical agriculture

By Roman Carrasco
Assistant Professor,
Department of Biological Sciences, NUS

About the talk – A rapidly increasing human population with higher consumption per capita poses a threat to the sustainability of the planet. This is especially acute in the tropics where most of the remaining global land suitable for agriculture overlaps with megadiverse tropical forests. Finding strategies to reconcile tropical agriculture and wild nature is thus vital for global sustainability.

To identify these strategies, the work of the lab has focused on: (i) identifying the spatial distribution of benefits and costs generated by tropical agricultural production and nature; and (ii) studying the effectiveness of interventions aimed at their reconciliation. Related to (i), I will describe our work on mapping the trade-offs between agriculture and multiple ecosystem services, the evaluation of the implications of the loss of tropical forests on national development trajectories and the relationship between forest loss and children’s health in Cambodia. Related to (ii), I will present our work on the effectiveness of protected areas in Indonesia, analyses of why protected areas are lost, equity implications of payments for ecosystem services and the temporal ramifications of agricultural intensification on deforestation.

Our results point towards the possibility to reconcile wild nature and agriculture through the recognition of the value of ecosystem services and yield gap closures. However, they also warn about the potentially negative effects of current interventions through indirect land-use caused by telecouplings in global trade.

Click for pdf

Tue 08 May 2018: 10.00am [PhD Defense] – Helen Nash on “The Ecology, Genetics and Conservation of Pangolins”

PhD Defense Seminar cum Oral Examination
Department of Biological Sciences, NUS

“The Ecology, Genetics and Conservation of Pangolins”

Helen Catherine Nash
Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS
Tuesday 8th May 2018: 10.00am
At the DBS Conference Room (S3-05)
Supervisor: Asst Prof Rheindt, Frank Erwin

Abstract – Globally, pangolins are one of the most heavily trafficked mammals in the illegal trade of wildlife. Chinese and Sunda pangolins are particularly threatened and their populations have rapidly declined, yet research is lacking to inform effective conservation management and action plans for these species. In this PhD I have helped to build the evidence base for effective conservation action at local, regional and global scales, based on the research priorities stated in the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group’s global conservation action plan.

In Chapter One, I demonstrate the value of using large-scale systematic surveys of local ecological knowledge to understand the status and threats of pangolins, with the example of Chinese pangolins across protected areas in Hainan. In Chapter Two, I applied a large number of genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to investigate the population genetic structure of Southeast Asian Sunda pangolins and to trace the origin of illegally traded pangolins. In Chapter Three, I initiated a post-release monitoring programme for rescued, rehabilitated and released Sunda pangolins in Singapore to better understand their post-release ecology and behaviour, with a particular focus on their dispersal movement, habitat selection and urban ecology in relation to their ontogenesis.

My doctoral research has contributed towards an evidence base to inform effective conservation management and action for pangolins. Many of my methods and analyses could also be applied to other endangered or cryptic species.

All are welcome

Mon 30 Apr 2018: 2.00pm [QE] – Choi Jihea on “Personality of Ooceraea biroi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Dorylinae) and its effect on ant fitness”

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

“Personality of Ooceraea biroi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Dorylinae) and its effect on ant fitness”

Speaker: Choi Jihea
(Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Monday, 30th April 2018: 2.00pm
At DBS Conference room (S3 Level 5)
Supervisor: Assoc Prof Li Daiqin

Abstract – The field of animal personality has boomed in the last two decades, with current research interests focused on not only quantifying personality for each species, but also to investigate the evolutionary significance of personality.

Using the eusocial and thelytokous ants, Ooceraea biroi, my project aims to investigate the presence of personality in individuals and colonies of these clonal ants, and the impact of personality on individual and group fitness. Furthermore, the project will test whether colony personalities can be influenced by external stress, and test if the individual’s past foraging experiences can shape its personality and effect the expression of the foraging gene

All are welcome.

Wed 02 May 2018: 4.00pm [QE] – Darren Sim on “Phytoplankton-Regulation by Macrophytes in Tropical Lakes”

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

Phytoplankton-Regulation by Macrophytes in Tropical Lakes

Speaker:             Sim Zong Han Darren (Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Date:                   2 May 2018, Wednesday
Time:                   4pm
Venue:                DBS Conference Room (S3 Level 5)
Supervisor:        Asst Prof Darren Yeo Chong Jinn
 

Abstract: – Ecological restoration can be a sustainable strategy to manage nuisance phytoplankton in Singapore reservoirs. Macrophytes are vital for restoring degraded lakes due to their involvement in ecological processes, especially their role in maintaining the clear water stable state in lakes. This is attributed to their ability to regulate phytoplankton communities through a combination of physical and biological mechanisms such as attenuation of wave energy, resource competition, and allelopathy. Allelopathy is suspected to be a major mechanism by which macrophytes inhibit phytoplankton, but current evidence supporting this is inconclusive. Present understanding of lake restoration is largely based on temperate studies, which may have limited transferability to the tropics due to trophic and climatic differences.

This study uses various approaches to investigate the ability of macrophytes to improve the ecological state of turbid tropical lakes. Field mesocosm experiments will be used to evaluate (i) the effects of macrophytes on phytoplankton communities and (ii) the potential restorative capability of macrophytes in a turbid reservoir. Lab experiments will be conducted to evaluate the importance of allelopathy as a mechanism to control phytoplankton and the role of light in influencing its effectiveness. Findings will not only improve our understanding of macrophyte-phytoplankton interactions, but also inform lake management decisions using macrophyte restoration as a sustainable tool to control phytoplankton blooms.

All are welcome

Thu 26 Apr 2018: 3.00pm [QE] – Pratibha Baveja on “Implication of differential gene flow on species and subspecies integrity of SEA birds”

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

Implication of Differential Gene Flow on Species and Subspecies Integrity of Birds in South-east Asia

Speaker:             Pratibha Baveja (Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Date:                   26 April 2018, Thursday
Time:                   3pm
Venue:                DBS Conference room II (S1, Level 3, mezzanine)
Supervisor:        Asst Prof Rheindt, Frank Erwin
 

Abstract: – Strength of gene flow determines the evolutionary trajectory of a species. Inter-specific gene flow or genetic leakage could threaten the genetic integrity of the species or could sometimes lead to hybrid speciation. Birds of Southeast Asia experience such unusual gene flow dynamics because of the unique evolutionary and human cultural history of the region.

In my thesis, I study: 1) Supertramp gene flow dynamics:  Supertramps are highly dispersive forms found on small islands that are closely related to distinct species on mainland with little overwater gene flow capability. It is suggested that small islands in Southeast Asian archipelago might be inhabited by forms that follow very different gene flow patterns than expected. 2) Introgression in captivity of terminally endangered species with potential for reintroduction into the wild. As human-mediated habitat changes may lead to increased instances of secondary contact between previously isolated taxa, such a study becomes relevant in better understanding of gene flow dynamics in birds of Southeast Asia.

All are welcome

Wed 25 April 2018: 3.00pm [QE] – Louise Neo on “Centers of plant generic endemism in Borneo and their significance for biogeography and conservation”

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

Centers of plant generic endemism in Borneo and their significance for biogeography and conservation

Speaker:              Louise Neo (Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Date:                   25 April 2018, Wednesday
Time:                   3.00pm
Venue:                Seminar Room 2 (S2 Level 4, #04-15)
Supervisor:         Assoc Prof Hugh Tan T W
Co-Supervisor:  Dr Wong Khoon Meng (Principal Researcher, Singapore Botanic Gardens)

 Abstract: – The narrow geographical ranges of endemic plants that make them regionally or globally rare, render them of special interest for biogeographic research and conservation. Endemic genera can be unique evolutionary lineages. Centers of generic endemism, where these are concentrated, can indicate special environments, or could be areas of active speciation or refugia. The highly biodiverse rainforests of Borneo have been a major source of speciation and dispersal for plant lineages in Southeast Asia since the pre-Miocene, but they are hypothesized to be in a refugial state at present and, therefore, highly threatened. Centers of plant generic endemism have never been examined, although they can highlight priority areas for biogeographic research and conservation.

I use a taxonomy-informed approach to gather the known occurrences of the endemic and near-endemic plant genera of Borneo from critically identified herbarium specimens, with the aims of (1) mapping distribution patterns of the genera, (2) identifying centers of generic endemism and their environmental correlates, (3) understanding distribution patterns and centers of generic endemism within the historical biogeography context of Borneo, and (4) assessing conservation exigencies for these genera.

All are welcome

Thu 26 April 2018: 10.00am [QE] – Kenny Chua on “Freshwater fish diversity and ecosystem functioning in Southeast Asia”

Department of Biological Sciences, NUS
Qualifying Examination

Freshwater fish diversity and ecosystem functioning in Southeast Asia

Speaker:    Kenny Chua Wei Jie (Graduate Student, Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Date:            26 April 2018, Thursday
Time:              10am
Venue:             DBS Conference Room  (S3 Level 5, #05-01)
Supervisor:     Asst Prof Darren Yeo Chong Jinn

Abstract: – The highly diverse ichthyofaunas of Southeast Asian fresh waters are threatened by land-use change, resulting in declines in species richness. Given the ecological importance of freshwater fishes, the loss of their diversity is expected to alter ecosystem functioning—i.e., pools and fluxes of biogeochemical resources—but these potential impacts remain poorly understood in Southeast Asia. To address this knowledge gap, I aim to elucidate the relationship between freshwater fish diversity, ecosystem functioning and land-use change in Southeast Asia.

By characterising and analysing the variation in functional traits of freshwater fishes, my work will investigate mechanistic links between freshwater fish diversity and the ecosystem functions mediated by them. I will also conduct both cross-sectional and longitudinal field studies across Southeast Asia to quantify the impacts of land-use driven fish diversity losses on the functioning of flowing fresh waters in the region. Since ecosystem functions ultimately underpin ecosystem services that are essential for human well-being, knowledge gained from this study will help illuminate the potentially far-reaching and reflexive consequences of anthropogenic biodiversity loss.

All are welcome

Jobs with the black soldier fly project: Project Manager (PhD) and 2 RA/LOs at NUS

Food recycling with black soldier flies

Singapore has a food waste and a food security problem. Both issues can be addressed by recycling food waste with black soldier flies (BSFs). The larvae of the flies are used as feed (e.g. for egg/ fish production) and the remaining waste can be used as fertilizer for vertical farming. More details can be found here: https://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/black-soldier-flies-war-food-waste/.

We are now recruiting manpower for this new 2-year project. The first phase of the project concentrates on improving the performance of the flies via artificial selection for higher larval growth rate and larger clutch size. The genome of the species will be sequenced and regular re-sequencing will be used to identify the genetic markers that are under selection.

The second phase of the project consists of working with our commercial partners to establish pilot plants capable of handling at least one tonne of food waste per day.

Three positions are available. One for a project manager (e.g. with PhD) and two for RAs or lab technologists; use the relevant links to apply:

• RF position/project manager (1): https://nuscareers.taleo.net/careersection/nusep/jobdetail.ftl?job=007WJ
• RA positions (2): https://nuscareers.taleo.net/careersection/nusep/jobdetail.ftl?job=007WK

Prof Rudolf Meier
Evolution Lab [link]
Department of Biological Sciences
National University of Singapore

Fri 13 Apr 2018: 10.00am [PhD defense] – Muhammad Izuddin Bin Mohamad Rafee on “Conservation of epiphytic orchids in urbanised tropical environments”

PhD Defense Seminar cum Oral Examination

Conservation of epiphytic orchids in urbanised tropical environments

Speaker:       Muhammad Izuddin Bin Mohamad Rafee (Graduate Student Dept. of Biological Sciences, NUS)
Date:             13 April 2018, Friday
Time:             10am
Venue:          DBS Conference  Room (S3 LEVEL 5, #05-01)
Supervisor:   Assoc Prof Edward L. Webb

Abstract – 

“As urban expansion persists, preserving biodiversity becomes progressively difficult. Yet, ex situ methods can facilitate biodiversity conservation in urban spaces. However, species-specific niche requirements—particularly in urbanised environments—remain largely unknown, making ex situ conservation programmes ineffectual. Using native epiphytic orchids as a study system, I assessed two primary ecological barriers to orchid regeneration in urban habitats, namely availability of orchid mycorrhizal fungus / fungi (OMF) as well as the niche requirements of OMF and native orchids.

First, I assessed the availability of OMF on urban trees and the orchid-site suitability of various orchid species by conducting metabarcoding and next-generation sequencing on tree bark and orchid samples. I also identified biophysical factors that influenced OMF presence and richness on urban sites.

Second, I investigated the germination niches—i.e. compatible OMF and suitable biophysical conditions—of four orchid species by conducting orchid mycorrhizal fungal baiting and seed sowing experiments. I then assessed the potential for aboveground orchid seed banks (seed longevity) using seed viability tests on post-experimental, non-germinated seeds.

Third, I evaluated the effectiveness of managed relocation of multiple native orchid species in various urban habitats via long-term planting experiments, as well as identified species post-germination niche requirements that influenced the long-term survival and growth of translocated orchids.

My results indicated that OMF are present on urban trees. However, presence, diversity, and distribution of OMF were primarily constrained by biophysical factors. Urban trees can support germination niches for native epiphytic orchids as well. I also found evidence of seed bank formation on epiphytic microsites. Based on the long-term study, majority of the species showed survival and positive growth. Overall, this thesis demonstrates how species-specific niche requirements can be evaluated / quantified and how the information gained can benefit ex situ, as well as in situ, orchid conservation.”

All are welcome