Objective
Gypsum soils occur worldwide and represent natural laboratories of evolution and ecology. The unusual mineral content of gypsum soils is a significant barrier to the growth of most plants, and yet these soils host highly diverse endemic floras that have evolved independently on five continents. Nevertheless, these ecosystems are poorly understood compared to those of other unusual substrates. Little is known about the conservation status of gypsum floras, the potential impact of climate change on them, and their responses to mitigation and restoration. We propose an integrated global study of the ecology and evolution of plant and lichen life on gypsum, including eight gypsum-rich regions from four continents that differ in geological origin, climate, and flora. We will 1) assess the plant and lichen diversity of gypsum; 2) investigate the evolutionary origins and assembly of these floras; 3) evaluate potential adaptive mechanisms on gypsum, the functional structure of gypsum plant and lichen communities, and the processes regulating gypsum ecosystem function; 4) analyse the responses of gypsum communities to global change drivers and explore how gypsum ecosystem restoration/conservation may help mitigate the effects of global change; 5) promote the study of gypsum ecosystems; and 6) communicate the ecological and conservation value of these ecosystems to the public. With the involvement of gypsum experts from 18 academic and non-academic organizations from 11 countries, this project provides an innovative, integrative, and interdisciplinary approach to address key questions in gypsum ecosystem ecology, evolution, and management. The project thus strengthens existing international collaborative networks and consolidates Europe’s leadership in gypsum ecosystem research, including management and conservation plans and the identification of traits for crop improvement on gypsum soils, enhancing its attractiveness as a leading destination for related R&D
Fields of science
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologymycologyethnolichenology
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesevolutionary biology
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystems
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculture
- natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesatmospheric sciencesclimatologyclimatic changes
Programme(s)
Coordinator
28006 Madrid
Spain
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Participants (7)
28933 Mostoles
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04120 Almeria
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3004-531 Coimbra
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89124 Reggio Calabria
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2220 Lefkosia
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1417 Nicosia
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06100 Tandogan Ankara
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Partners (11)
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
14115 175 Tehran
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
9177948974 Mashhad
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
14174 Tehran
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
04510 Mexico Distrito Federal
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
44118-4581 University Heights
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
44074 Oberlin
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
NM 88003-8001 Las Cruces
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
6300 Santa Rosa
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
4070386 Concepcion
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
6983 Bentley Delivery Centre
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
2531 Potchefstroom
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