Grace, Jon, and Jeff tackle a recent paper in Ecology (Pillai and Gouhier, 2019) that claims that the "positive" effect of biodiversity
	  on ecosystem functioning is vastly overstated. The gang talk about the background and context of the paper, including 
	  neutral theory, competitive exclusion, and complementarity, while also revisiting some classic ecology work from 
	  Tilman and Huston. Also, March Mammal Madness is coming soon!

MR052: Biodiversity, Neutral Theory, and Pillai and Gouhier, 2019

The world's greatest ecology and environmental sciences podcast

Natural Sciences

Science & Medicine

Social Sciences

Medicine

Jon and Jeff explore the utility of the "hot take." Should or can scientists be more provocative in how they frame their science or how they interact with the public? What are the advantages? Disadvantages? Who can even do this--hint, hint it's clearly a privilege issue.

MR076: Hot takes!

Jon and Jeff are joined by Drs. Cristy Portales and Lauren Hallett to talk about the nebulous concept of the "early career" scientist. When does "early career" start? When does it end? We discuss whether it is purely a concept based on time since degree, achievement of certain milestones, or just how one defines themselves.

MR075: Defining "early career" with Drs. Cristy Portales and Lauren Hallett

Jon, Jeff, and guest co-host Tess Grainger talk about bridging the gap between ecological theorists and empiricists. Where are the challenges? What are the ways forward? What do we gain? 

		Paper for discussion:  Grainger et al. 2022 (https://tessgrainger.files.wordpress.com/2022/01/grainger-et-al.-2022-amnat.pdf)

MR074: Theory for the Masses with Dr. Tess Grainger

Jon and Jeff address the absurdity of reviewing two articles a day, Jeff offers up a revolutionary idea for review papers, and both address whether they would or would not change any of the advice they have given out on the podcast over the years.

MR073: What Have We Changed Our Minds About?

Jon and Jeff are back and talking future directions and making plans--with a big announcement and a fair amount of navel-gazing

MR052: Biodiversity, Neutral Theory, and Pillai and Gouhier, 2019

Download our free app to listen on your phone