Our faculty aim to understand the factors that govern the distribution and abundance of plant and animal populations, how and why these populations change over time and across areas, and the complex and fascinating interactions among populations. These complex and multi-faceted research topics get at the very foundation of the science of ecology and are important for predicting how ecosystems will change in the future. Our research also is integral to developing effective conservation and recovery strategies for rare species and for developing sustainable management of harvested species.