Rodolfo Dirzo

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)
• Presidential Award in Ecology, Secretary of Environment, Mexico (2003)

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

• Plant-animal interactions, Mexico, Costa Rica, Amazonia More »

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

• Ontogenetic switches from plant resistance to tolerance: minimizing costs with age? Boege K,  Dirzo R, Siemens D, Brown P.  Ecol Lett.  2007; 10 (3): 177-87
• Global state of biodiversity and loss Rodolfo Dirzo,  Peter Raven.  Annual Review of Environment and Natural Resources.  2003; 28 137-167