Claudio C Ramirez

Summary

I work on insect ecology focusing in plant-insect interactions from a perspective that addresses proximal (ecological) and distal (evolutionary) causes. This approach aims to contribute to the knowledge of the herbivory patterns observed in natural and productive systems. Regarding proximal causes, I have a particular interest in the behavioral mechanisms that insect uses to feed on host plants, this includes how they deal with plant defense (either in crops or native plants). In relation to distal causes, I am interested in the correlation or experimental association between traits and reproductive outputs over generations. I have been studying hemipteran insects of the family Aphididae, which constitute important crop pests in Chile. Aphids are the group of insects that I have study the most. That are a good model to address fundamental questions in biology and also are a real problem for plant production. I do also enjoy to contribute with ideas aimed to reduce the use of pesticides in agroecosystems. The relationship between agrecosystem and natural areas are also an area that I intend to explore.

Animal Behavior Biodiversity Ecology Entomology Environmental Sciences Evolutionary Studies Zoology