معرفی
Peter M. Kotanen is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Toronto Mississauga and holds a cross-appointment in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on ecology of biological invasions, particularly factors limiting non-native plant spread at high latitudes and interactions with natural enemies like herbivores and pathogens. He also investigates vegetation changes due to geese grazing in Arctic habitats. He is an Associate Editor for Proceedings of the Royal Society B and Biological Invasions.
Research Interests: Dr. Kotanen's work addresses:
- Why non-native plants remain rare in tundra and treeline habitats despite introduction risks
- Whether escape from natural enemies (herbivores, pathogens) drives invasion success, especially in marginal populations
- Long-term impacts of Snow Geese foraging on vegetation in Hudson Bay, James Bay, and Arctic islands
- Soil-mediated interactions between invasive species (e.g., Canada Thistle, Common Burdock) and native flora
His field studies span the Churchill Northern Studies Centre and the Koffler Scientific Reserve, with recent work examining seed predation by invasive earthworms and microclimate effects on dandelion establishment.
Advising: Over 25 years, Dr. Kotanen has supervised 17 graduate students, including:
- Vicki Zhang (Ph.D., studying subarctic invasion risks)
- Francine Da Silva (M.Sc., dandelion microhabitat dependence)
- Steven Hill (Ph.D., enemy release and phylogenetic novelty)
- Sean Blaney (M.Sc., seed bank dynamics in Ontario)
- Jennie McLaren (M.Sc., snow goose soil degradation)
Labs & Field Sites: His research group operates at the Koffler Scientific Reserve and Churchill Northern Studies Centre, integrating experimental plots and observational studies to assess invasion resilience. Collaborative projects include Arctic flora surveys on Akimiski Island and invasive earthworm impacts on forest seed banks.
