Towards a research training program in temperate aridlands

R. A. OJEDA

Jacksonville, Florida

Congreso; 94th ASM ANNUAL MEETING; 2015

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAMMALOGISTS

PLENARY TALK, JOSEPH GRINNELL AWARDTowards a research training program in temperate aridlandsThe education and training of undergraduate and graduate students is linked, among other factors, to the development of research programs and infrastructure within a given social, political and economic context. The purpose of my presentation is to highlight different aspects of the development of our mammal research program in temperate aridlands of Argentina, answering questions and discussing some of the approaches we have taken towards a better understanding of particular ecological- evolutionary processes, species? biology or the structure of mammal communities. I discuss the ecological background or context of our research and highlight some results as well as the consolidation of a research training program oriented towards a more comprehensive understanding of animal biology and ecology of aridlands. I also discuss issues related to the scientific context where our research is carried on and pinpoint some of the scientific gaps and critical environmental issues which deserve urgent consideration by the scientific community (Partially supported by CONICET and SECYT grants PIP 5944 and PICT- 0455)