Dr. NORBERT CORDEIRO

Associate Professor, Department of Biological, Chemical and Physical Sciences

ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY

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Four general research areas define my interests:

1.  Impacts of habitat disturbance and fragmentation on plant-animal mutualisms

Habitat fragmentation, the process by which extensive native habitats are divided and broken into 'islands' surrounded by agriculture, is well known to cause declines in animal species.  If plants depend on some of these animals for pollination or seed dispersal, the potential to change the breeding and recruitment dynamics may affect the future integrity of fragmented habitats.  My research focuses on examining the ecological dynamics of plant-animal pollinator and seed dispersal mutualism, using observations, experiments and genetic approaches.

 

2.  Tropical forest regeneration and community dynamics

Tropical forests are renowned for their diversity of organisms, ranging from fungi, to plants, to animals as large as apes and elephants.  The regeneration dynamics of most African forest tree species remain poorly documented and understood.  Together with collaborators at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, The Field Museum-Chicago (U.S.A.), and York University, U.K., I am creating at database on tree reproductive
characteristics.  This database is being accompanied by dual-language laminated and web-based field guides to the seeds, fruits, flowers and seedlings of tree species in eastern Africa.  In addition to these research and conservation outputs, I am working with my colleague, Dr. Henry Ndangalasi (Botany Department, University of Dar es Salaam) to examine how the regeneration of endemic tree species is affected by edge effects and habitat fragmentation.  Website: www.fieldmuseum.org/africaforest

 

3.  Urbanization and biodiversity

Urbanization is not only a serious problem for humans from socio-economic and sociological point of views, but it threatens native biodiversity.  Often associated with urban areas are invasive species of animals and plants, which either act as predators or competitors for native species.  In addition, urbanization causes habitat loss and fragmentation, with developed areas surrounding pockets of native habitats, and thus affecting the native species that inhabit prairies, forests and woodlands.  I am collaborating with the Urban Wildlife Institute at the Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Centre for Research in Urban Ecology at the University of Illinois-Chicago (http://www.uic.edu/labs/crue/projects.shtml#nestpredation), to study various aspects of urban ecology.  A study on nest predation of birds began in the summer of 2008 and another study on pollinators will commence in 2009, both in the Chicago area, spanning from the inner city to the rural areas.

 

4.  Other interests

I have a number of other interests, ranging from how science is disseminated globally and the difficulties in conveying science more broadly due to language, publication and cultural barriers imposed largely by the dominant culture.  I am also keen to create learning tools, such as simple field guides and web-based databases, to advance science and knowledge and to aid in conservation efforts in developing nations.