Our research focuses on describing the structure and function of species-rich tropical and sub-tropical food webs, especially as to how these complex food webs are impacted by human activities. Our research is centered in Caribbean (especially Bahamian) and Florida estuaries, with a particular emphasis on the study ecosystem fragmentation. Through use of ecosystem-scale manipulations of hydrologic connectivity (i.e., community-based restoration projects), we have an outstanding framework from which to develop rigorous tests of ecological theory. Some of the current areas that we are working on include (click on each for more details):
New metrics to quantify food web structure
Intraspecific Niche Variation and Individual Specialization
Trajectories of change following tidal creek restoration
Using acoustic telemetry to track fish movement patterns
Predator-driven phenotypic variation in mosquitofish
Predator-prey relationships in tidal creek food webs
Basal resources supporting sub-tropical estuarine food webs
An integral element of our lab’s direction is to develop extensive public outreach and education initiatives through direct integration of students and community members into my research program. This work includes community-based tidal creek restoration projects, the “Adopt a Fish, Adopt a School” program, and extensive work in Bahamian school systems. In sum, I am working to develop a research program which simultaneously advances ecological research, addresses critical environmental problems, and provides for extensive, diverse, and unique educational opportunities.
Media coverage of Layman Lab research
Genitalia Evolution of Gambusia
Other past research efforts
Aquatic-terrestrial subsidies in a Neotropical river
Mid-atlantic coast and salt marsh ecology