EEB Thursday Seminar Series - Patterns of Growth and Mortality in an Endangered Cactus

Studying the biology of endangered plants can provide insights into what these species need to thrive, especially in the face of climate change and other human impacts. This talk will focus on more than 30 years of study of an endangered cactus, Echinocactus horizonthalonius var. nicholii, as my colleagues and I have worked to understand the biology, ecology, and threats to this little-known species. I'll also talk about the value and challenge of long-term ecological research and my experience teaching at a small liberal arts college.