Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Open Access

Abstract

Biodiversity is a function of web of interactions taking place between plants and animals. The interactions between them are very complex, intricate and function in association with the abiotic environment. Since biodiversity is the key for the structural and functional integrity of ecosystems and it is the foundation for the very survival and sustainability of life on this planet, it is imperative to understand the interactions and interrelationships that exist between plants and animals. Without field studies, it is impossible to understand and frame effective conservation and management measures for the sustainability of biodiversity. Tropical latitudes in general and India in particular are rich in biodiversity and formed the basis for the origin and development of various societies and civilizations. It is in this context, I intend to explain the relationships, one-sided or mutual, that exist between different plants and different categories of insects, birds and others in flowering plants of terrestrial and mangrove ecosystems, and also in gymnosperm species such as Cycas. Further, the talk would also focus on how bee-flower interactions, bird-flower interactions, and plant-animal interactions, all collectively contribute to the structural and functional integrity of ecosystems or habitats or forests.

Biography

Aluri Jacob Solomon Raju has completed his Ph.D. in 1987 at Andhra University and Post-doctoral research at the University of Akron, Ohio, USA during 1989-1991. He is currently working as Professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences, Andhra University. He is the recipient of Distinguished Achievement Award of the University of Akron, Ohio, USA, Best Researcher Award and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Best Academician Award of Andhra University, Loyola Environmental Award of Loyola College, Chennai and Andhra Pradesh Scientist Award from Andhra Pradesh Council of Science and Technology, Govt. of AP, and of Andhra University. He visited Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay, Rome, Hong Kong and China. He published more than 250 research papers in International and National Journals and presented papers at 50 National and 20 International Conferences held in India and abroad. He is an elected member of Sigma Xi, USA and a member of 20 International and National Scientific Bodies. He guided a number of Ph.D and M.Phil candidates. Finally, he is executing major research projects on biodiversity and conservation biology in the Eastern Ghats forest funded by DST, UGC, CSIR, MoEF and DBT