Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: MAIARA BEATRIZ LIMA

Uma banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO de DOUTORADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : MAIARA BEATRIZ LIMA
DATE: 24/10/2025
TIME: 09:00
LOCAL: Google Meet
TITLE:

Diversity and Ecological Functions of Dung Beetles: Seasonality and Response to Anthropogenic Disturbances

KEY WORDS:

Dung removal, seed dispersal, biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, Caatinga, urbanization

PAGES: 76
BIG AREA: Ciências Biológicas
AREA: Ecologia
SUMMARY:

Anthropic disturbances have been among the main factors responsible for the loss and modification of local communities. Dung beetles are widely used to assess how these disturbances affect ecosystems because, in addition to performing important ecological functions, they are highly sensitive to environmental changes. In this thesis, we investigated how anthropic disturbances influence the diversity and ecological functions of dung beetles. In the first chapter, we evaluated how the diversity and ecological functions of these beetles are affected in urban areas. Sampling was carried out in 27 public squares in the city of Natal and in two protected areas: Parque das Dunas and Parque Dom Nivaldo Monte. Ecological functions were measured through experiments quantifying dung removal and secondary seed dispersal rates, using a mixture of pig dung and plastic beads (simulating seeds). Beetle diversity was assessed using pitfall traps baited with feces and liver. We observed that the species composition of beetle communities in the parks differs from that found in the squares. In the second chapter, we investigated how plant species richness and the intensity of facilitation among plants influence the diversity and ecological functions of dung beetles in a seasonally dry tropical forest. Sampling was conducted in a Caatinga area in the municipality of Açu, Rio Grande do Norte, using a field methodology similar to that of the first chapter. The structure of beetle communities and their associated ecological services were determined by soil variables (fertility and acidity/toxicity) and by plant height. Overall, the results show that both urbanization and soil characteristics affect the composition of dung beetle communities and the ecological functions they perform, with direct implications for maintaining ecosystem functioning.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - 1678202 - CARLOS ROBERTO SORENSEN DUTRA DA FONSECA
Interno - 1718346 - EDUARDO MARTINS VENTICINQUE
Interna - 1677189 - GISLENE MARIA DA SILVA GANADE