Open ocean ecology shapes life history evolution in long-lived mammals

Environmental variation across temporal and spatial scales shapes individual differences in traits and causes resource acquisition and allocation to fluctuate dramatically. Technological advancements including animal-borne sensors have ushered in a research renaissance showing that differences across individual animals are much more common than previously recognized. Despite this progress, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding the drivers and impacts of trait variation in wild animals - what are the secrets to individual fitness that translate to population persistence in wildlife? I investigate the ecological and evolutionary underpinnings of individual variation in elephant seals - a species that has rebounded from near extinction. I combine mark-recapture methods with cutting-edge biologging to test and refine ecological theories by identifying the physiological, anatomical, behavioral, phenological, and life-history traits shaped by developmental stages and environmental conditions. In this talk, I will highlight how my lab group’s research advances the understanding of individual-environment interactions and their impacts on populations and communities. I will also discuss future research directions, including the importance of comprehensive trait data collection and collaboration. Finally, I will underscore how integrating long-term ecological research with inclusive, field-based education programs can foster scientific discovery and promote equity in STEM.

Speaker: Roxanne Beltran, Assistant Professor, University of California Santa Cruz

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