University of Michigan
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Jason McLachlan
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Notre Dame

Host: Christopher Dick, Assistant Professor, U-M EEB; Assistant Curator, U-M Herbarium
Host department: EEB

Abstract
Ongoing global environmental change requires us to anticipate unprecedented ecological dynamics. However, because ecology lacks general predictive theory, the science behind current global change conservation efforts is inherently backwards looking (our goals are to "conserve," "preserve," and "restore.") The novel conditions that emerge under global change projections make these established goals untenable. Emerging forward looking conservation strategies, such as "managed relocation," illustrate the detail of ecological knowledge it will take to rationally protect biodiversity and ecosystem function under future conditions. I will assess the demands being placed on ecology by this shift in perspective and our current capacity to meet them.