Cascading Community Consequences of Fish Adaptation

Trophic interactions are an enduring framework for ecological thought. Broad and growing evidence for contemporary evolution has demonstrated that ecology and evolution dynamically interact on similar time scales. In this dissertation, I seek to understand how genetic and plastic trait change in human-influenced systems shape trophic dynamics, how such trait changes are constrained by inherent tradeoffs, and the broad implications of such trait change for ecological communities. I advance the premise that competition-defense tradeoffs are the essential mechanism behind many eco-evolutionary trophic dynamics that can reshape multi-trophic communities. In support of this view, I assess the presence of ecologically relevant genetic evolution along a competition-defense tradeoff in a model species. I also employ models and experiments to quantify how the particularly strong genetic and plastic trait changes in population phenotypes generated by humans can rearrange ecological communities by altering trophic interaction strengths

Effects of Catastrophic Seagrass Loss and Predation Risk on the Ecological Structure and Resilience of a Model Seagrass Ecosystem

As climate change continues, climactic extremes are predicted to become more frequent and intense, in some cases resulting in dramatic changes to ecosystems. The effects of climate change on ecosystems will be mediated, in part, by biotic interactions in those ecosystems. However, there is still considerable uncertainty about where and how such biotic interactions will be important in the context of ecosystem disturbance and climactic extremes. Here, I review the role of consumers in seagrass ecosystems and investigate the ecological impacts of an extreme climactic event (marine heat wave) and subsequent widespread seagrass die-off in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Specifically, I compare seagrass cover, shark catch rates, and encounter rates of air breathing fauna in multiple habitat types before and after the seagrass die-off to describe post-disturbance dynamics of the seagrass community, shifts in consumer abundances, and changes in risk-sensitive habitat use patterns by a variety of mesoconsumers at risk of predation from tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier). Finally, I conducted a 16 month field experiment to assess whether xi loss of top predators, and predicted shifts in dugong foraging, could destabilize remaining seagrass. I found that the previously dominant temperate seagrass Amphibolis antarctica is stable, but not increasing. Conversely, an early-successional tropical seagrass, Halodule uninervis, is expanding. Following the die-off, the densities of several consumer species (cormorants, green turtles, sea snakes, and dugongs) declined, while others (Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, tiger sharks) remained stable. Stable tiger shark abundances following the seagrass die-off suggest that the seascape of fear remains intact in this system. However, several consumers (dolphins, cormorants) began to use dangerous but profitable seagrass banks more often following seagrass decline, suggesting a relaxation of anti-predator behavior. Experimental results suggest that a loss of tiger sharks would result in a behaviorally mediated trophic cascade (BMTC) in degraded seagrass beds, further destabilizing them and potentially resulting in a phase shift. My work shows that climactic extremes can have strong but variable impacts on ecosystems mediated in part by species identity, and that maintenance of top predator populations may by important to ecological resilience in the face of climate change

Sustainability in design: now! Challenges and opportunities for design research, education and practice in the XXI century

Copyright @ 2010 Greenleaf PublicationsLeNS project funded by the Asia Link Programme, EuropeAid, European Commission

Spatial structure and temporal dynamics of an intertidal population of the marine ecosystem engineering worm Lanice conchilega (Pallas, 1766)

*Lanice conchilega* is an ecosystem engineering polychaete worm. It forms tube aggregations in temperate coastal zones, being particularly abundant in Europe. Tube aggregations engineer sandy-muddy marine sediments by posing as physical barriers which modulate water flow on the sediment surface, increasing local sedimentation and creating distinct micro-habitats within tube arrays for other organisms. Although previous research has greatly contributed to our understanding of how this organism engineers marine sediments, processes pertaining to formation and decay of its aggregations remained unclear. The main objective of this thesis was to elucidate these processes, in particular, to determine the role of population dynamics on engineering effects and the formation and decay of intertidal *L. conchilega* aggregations. Experiments were executed exploring the relationships between population dynamics, sedimentation, and mortality (chapter 2). Findings revealed that dense aggregations induce locally higher sedimentation and more stable sediments in comparison to bare surfaces. Abrupt sedimentation triggered tube-accretion and may form a positive feedback wherein growing tubes cause further sedimentation, hence contributing to aggregation maintenance. However, abrupt sedimentation of 5-12cm in height may hinder maintenance by increasing population mortality through smothering, which diminishes tube density and undermines further flow modulation. We also assessed temporal patterns in population structure, and investigated how these relate to ecosystem engineering by *L. conchilega* on marine sediments through monthly in-situ monitoring of intertidal aggregations (chapter 3). This revealed that seasonal population dynamics and demographic composition influence the temporal evolution of *L. conchilega* engineering effects, intensifying in periods of high density (i.e. recruitment), and decaying during periods of harsh conditions (i.e. winter). We also assessed the temporal evolution, persistence, and longevity of small-scale distribution patterns for intertidal *L. conchilega* aggregations (chapter 4). It was found that the formation of small-scale spatial patterns was associated to the aforementioned recruitment periods, prompting the formulation of a hypothetical conceptual model for aggregation formation and decay. We postulate that yearly recruitment in spring and autumn result in population replenishment and the formation of early small-scale spatial patterns. The latter are likely modified by continuing settlement and post-settlement survival giving rise to different small-scale distribution patterns, while aggregation decay was shown to occur apart from recruitment and likely due to population mortality. Lastly, we explored an alternative conceptual model for spatial-pattern formation in L. conchilega aggregations by performing a modelling exercise assessing the role of food availability and assimilation on population dynamics (chapter 5). Findings from the exercise suggest that food availability and assimilation are likely to only marginally influence population density dynamics, which seems to be determined largely by the recruitment intensity. This thesis has lead us to conclude that spatial-pattern formation in *L. conchilega* aggregations is likely delineated by conditions during settlement and factors influencing post-settlement survival. Since hydrodynamic conditions often influence settlement and recruitment, we suggest that future research focus on the effects of hydrodynamic stress in *L. conchilega* larval settlement and survival at very small spatial scales

A Unified Cognitive Model of Visual Filling-In Based on an Emergic Network Architecture

The Emergic Cognitive Model (ECM) is a unified computational model of visual filling-in based on the Emergic Network architecture. The Emergic Network was designed to help realize systems undergoing continuous change. In this thesis, eight different filling-in phenomena are demonstrated under a regime of continuous eye movement (and under static eye conditions as well). ECM indirectly demonstrates the power of unification inherent with Emergic Networks when cognition is decomposed according to finer-grained functions supporting change. These can interact to raise additional emergent behaviours via cognitive re-use, hence the Emergic prefix throughout. Nevertheless, the model is robust and parameter free. Differential re-use occurs in the nature of model interaction with a particular testing paradigm. ECM has a novel decomposition due to the requirements of handling motion and of supporting unified modelling via finer functional grains. The breadth of phenomenal behaviour covered is largely to lend credence to our novel decomposition. The Emergic Network architecture is a hybrid between classical connectionism and classical computationalism that facilitates the construction of unified cognitive models. It helps cutting up of functionalism into finer-grains distributed over space (by harnessing massive recurrence) and over time (by harnessing continuous change), yet simplifies by using standard computer code to focus on the interaction of information flows. Thus while the structure of the network looks neurocentric, the dynamics are best understood in flowcentric terms. Surprisingly, dynamic system analysis (as usually understood) is not involved. An Emergic Network is engineered much like straightforward software or hardware systems that deal with continuously varying inputs. Ultimately, this thesis addresses the problem of reduction and induction over complex systems, and the Emergic Network architecture is merely a tool to assist in this epistemic endeavour. ECM is strictly a sensory model and apart from perception, yet it is informed by phenomenology. It addresses the attribution problem of how much of a phenomenon is best explained at a sensory level of analysis, rather than at a perceptual one. As the causal information flows are stable under eye movement, we hypothesize that they are the locus of consciousness, howsoever it is ultimately realized

The Upward Spiral of Self-Development and Well-Being: An Examination of Upward Spirals and Vantage Resources & Their Contribution to Sustained Self-Development, Well-being, and Lifestyle Transformation.

What builds lasting change in our lives and why is it difficult for so many people to sustain? The process of self-development happens on multiple levels and time horizons, yet much of the research on lifestyle change examines single factors or interventions. It is not only one thing, one cycle, or one process that moves someone from floundering to flourishing. This paper examines upward spiral dynamics, self-determination theory, self-actualization, and self-transcendence to identify the multi-level and multi-domain factors that contribute to lasting change. It also explores the development of vantage resources, the physiological, social, and emotional resources which allow us to benefit from positive experiences. I theorize that through the cultivation of vantage resources via intrinsic or integrated goals our potential to experience well-being grows, and through sustained effort we’re able to build lasting change. Additionally, self-transcendent experiences ranging from mild to significant reshape the schema of what is valued, purposeful and meaningful. By fostering experiences likely to trigger self-transcendence we perpetuate the cycle of self-development aimed not at narcissism, but meaningful contribution. Artifact 1 proposes a model for these cycles of change, the Upward Spiral of Self Development and Well-Being. Artifact 2 is a catalog of potential vantage resources and related multi-domain activities that potentially contribute to upward spirals

Epigenetics and endocrinology: new frontiers in motivational science

This thesis explored the role of motivational processes in improved human functioning. There is a large body of evidence supporting the idea that higher quality motivation can have important implications for health and well-being via improved behavioural engagement. However, what is less well understood is whether there is a direct effect of motivation on physiological health beyond that which is explained by engagement with the activity itself. The aim of this thesis was to explore associations between motivational processes and biological markers implicated with improved physical health and human functioning.The programme of research began by systematically reviewing multidimensional theories of motivation and physiological responses associated with activation of the endocrine system. Across several conceptually similar theories of motivation, it was evidenced that higher quality motivation was associated with an attenuated cortisol response in a variety of environments eliciting social-evaluative threat. Furthermore, the needs for power and affiliation were associated with lower and higher levels of salivary secretory immunoglobulin A, respectively. Based on the limitations identified in the systematic review, two subsequent chapters further explored the role of high quality motivation in reducing the cortisol response. Using an experimental design grounded in self-determination theory, Chapter Three explored the effect that manipulating autonomous and controlled motivation had on participants’ cortisol responses, while concurrently measuring self-control exertion. A repeated measures ANCOVA revealed a significant quadratic interaction (F (1, 32) = 5.40, p =.027, ηp2 = .14). Participants in the controlled regulation condition experienced an increased, with autonomy supportive experiencing a decreased, cortisol response. There was also evidence of motivational effects on self-control performance, although the results contradicted the hypothesis. A mixed ANCOVA revealed participants in the controlled regulation condition recorded greater wall sit performance in the first and second wall sits compared with the autonomy-supportive condition (F (1,36) = 4.40, p = .043, ηp2 = .11). This concept was replicated and extended in Chapter Four. Although the cortisol pattern was not replicated, nonetheless a repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant linear within subject contrast (F (2, 57) = 4.45, p = .016, ηp2 = .14), with a significant linear decline in cortisol observed in the control condition. Furthermore, there was support for the idea of high-quality motivation improving self-control performance. A one-way ANOVA revealed a self-control performance difference between experimental conditions (F (67,2) = 2.88, p = .063, ηp2 = .08), that was driven by autonomy-supportive participants outperforming those exposed to controlled regulation (p = .055). As predicted, this performance difference did not persist to the second self-control task, the plank (F (64,4) = 0.41, p = .664, ηp2 = .03).In the final empirical chapter, the focus shifted from proximal to stable long-term markers of health by exploring a novel area for self-determination theory – epigenetics - specifically, the DNA methylation of the TNF gene associated with expression of the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα. The results further supported the idea that high quality motivation is most important for health-related behaviour and outcomes. Health-related autonomous motivation was weakly but positively associated with TNF methylation (β =.18, p =.08); however, health-related introjected regulation was not associated with TNF methylation (β =.13, p =.23). In a subsequent step, path analysis was used to explore whether this relationship persisted when accounting for healthy behaviour, however direct effects of autonomous motivation on TNF methylation did not persist when these indirect effects were included (β =.09, p =.43).Overall, this thesis found support for the value of high-quality motivational processes at the epigenetic and endocrine level. Autonomous motivation was indirectly associated with DNA methylation of TNF, via engagement in healthy behaviour. Furthermore, there were several examples of evidence suggesting that high-quality motivation was associated with attenuated cortisol profiles, and conversely, lower quality motivation was associated with an increased cortisol response. There was also evidence that autonomous motivation was implicated in improved self-control performance, but this was not consistently observed. By extending research into epigenetics and endocrinology, this thesis supports the idea that high-quality motivation has important implications for improved health and well-being .</div

The political economy of environmental technological change with a case study of the power sector in Vietnam

The escalating imperative of climate change mitigation implies a substantial change in the technologies of electricity generation and supply in industrialised and industrialising countries alike. Understanding how to effect this technological change is therefore imperative if the challenge of climate change is to be addressed. The literature is replete with technology and policy studies investigating technologies, policy instruments and processes of technological change, however, surprisingly little research has addressed the broader political economy context within which any technological change will need to be realised. This research investigates linkages between the sort of systematic environmental technological change implied by the imperative of climate change mitigation and the broader political economy context. Firstly, considering evolutionary economics approaches to understanding technological change, we argue that evolutionary micro-foundations lend themselves to an analysis of political economy processes. Moreover, it is a direct consequence of evolutionary microfoundations that technological change, and particularly that linked with structural change in an economy, is likely to have important political economy implications. Secondly, we show how heterodox approaches to understanding structural change and development in economic systems are consistent with evolutionary micro-foundations and allow the development of an analytical framework based upon an understanding of the process of economic rent creation and preservation. Thirdly, we apply these insights to a critical reconstruction of the evidence on the development of the electricity services industry (ESI), illustrating the importance of political economy considerations in understanding technological and institutional change in that sector. Finally, we apply these insights to a detailed case study of the ESI in Vietnam, investigating the ways in which political economy factors have influenced the broader development of the sector, and examining how the choice of specific technologies is likely to be affected by political economy of the sector