University Honors Program
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA
Office: SHC, Building 73, Rm 30, 1-505-277-7408
FAX: 1-505-277-4271
ursula@unm.edu
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The Laboratory of Dr. Ursula Shepherd University Honors Program University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA Office: SHC, Building 73, Rm 30, 1-505-277-7408 FAX: 1-505-277-4271 ursula@unm.edu |
Arthropod Diversity on Microbiotic Crusts Lizard Island Arthropods Lizard Island Soils Undergraduate Research
Biodiversity of Australia Genetics Nature Writing Southwest Natural History Undergraduate Thesis |
Biodiversity conservation, particularly of less-studied species, is an exciting area of biological research and a powerful tool for engaging students. Almost daily we are reminded that the earth's biota is suffering a devastating collapse, especially in the wet tropics. However, the impact is also felt in the world's arid systems through human uses such as agriculture, cattle grazing and recreational activities. The Shepherd Lab focuses primary current research efforts on the study of biodiversity in arid and semi-arid systems, with a subsidiary interest in biodiversity of intertidal coral reefs. These habitats are poorly studied, especially with regard to invertebrate species, which make up the largest component of the world's animal biodiversity. At present, research is being conducted regarding the diversity of arthropods on cryptobiotic crusts in the Western U.S. We are attempting to compile baseline information of species level biodiversity of the micro-arthropods associated with diverse taxonomic groups of these crusts. Researchers are also conducting similar preliminary studies in arid Australia, and a small research project is underway to compile a list of the arthropod fauna on Lizard Island, Queensland Australia. In all these efforts, Dr. Shepherd, in association with Dr. Sandra Brantley and Dr. Lisa Ellis, involves undergraduates in all phases of the research process. All of these projects will involve creation of electronic databases and will lead to information dissemination via links to this web page.
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| Last Updated: August 2nd, 2007 | |
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