Bridging macroevolution and macroecology in the drought-deciduousness radiation: trait-environment relationships in emblematic tropical clades

• Grant number: 23/10109-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: December 29, 2023
• End date: December 28, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Theoretical Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Rafael Silva Oliveira
• Grantee: Cibele de Cássia Silva
• Supervisor: Jeannine Cavender-Bares
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Minnesota, St. Paul (U of M), United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 20/09164-0 - An evolutionary approach to understanding drought-resistance in Neotropical trees, BP.PD

Abstract

Future climate projections indicate increased temperature and aridity in regions experiencing seasonal drought and rainfall variability. Understanding plant strategies to adapt to these conditions is crucial. We aim to study tropical plants' drought-related traits using macroevolutionary and macroecological approaches, exploring phylogenetic relationships and environmental influences on drought-deciduousness. The project will utilize model clades from tropical regions to enhance our understanding of plant responses to climate change. (AU)