Key Documents
Rodolfo Dirzo
Academic Appointments
- Professor, Biology (School of Humanities and Sciences)
Contact Information
- Academic
Offices
Personal Information Email Tel (650) 736-7643Administrative Contact Pamela Hung Administrative Assistant Email Tel Work 650 736-8005
Professional Snapshot
Honors and Awards
- Pew Scholar in Conservation, The Pew Charitable Trust (1992)
- Outstanding Service Award: Teaching, Organization for Tropical Studies (2002)
- Outstanding Researcher, Biology, National University of Mexico (2003)
- Foreign Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2004)
- Foreign Associate, US National Academy of Science (2004)
Professional Education
| B.Sc.: | University of Morelos, Mexico, Biology (1972) |
| M.Sc.: | University of Wales, Ecology (1977) |
| Ph.D.: | University of Wales, Ecology (1980) |
Community & International Work
Scientific Focus
Current Research Interests
My interests are centered on the study of plant-animal interactions, trying to understand how the ecology and evolution of plants is affected by their biotic environment, particularly animals. My work is focused on tropical forest ecosystems, particulalry in Mexico and Amazonia, but I am also interested in developing similar studies in other ecosystems as well.
In the field of conservation biology, I am interested in studying the consequences of anthropogenic impact on the disruption of ecological processes, particularly biotic interactions.
Finally, I have a major interest in environmental education and sharing of my experiences in ecology and conservation, with the general public and students of all levels.
Publications
- Plants cause ecosystem nutrient depletion via the interruption of bird-derived spatial subsidies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010; (5): 2072-7
- ANTHROPOGENICALLY-DRIVEN CONTEMPORARY EVOLUTION: LESSONS FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION. Evolution. 2009
- Ontogenetic switches from plant resistance to tolerance: minimizing costs with age? Ecol Lett. 2007; (3): 177-87
- Global state of biodiversity and loss Annual Review of Environment and Natural Resources. 2003: 137-167
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