Liberal Arts and Sciences
Palmer Lab
Led by Todd Palmer · Biology
What we study
The Palmer Lab studies community ecology in East African savannas and the Bahamas, including partnerships between species (mutualisms) and what happens when species are lost or invasive species arrive. Much of the work is field research, such as how an invasive ant is changing a Kenyan savanna.
What working here is like
- Fieldwork
- Wild animals
- Other insects
- Papers
- 5
Recent papers, explained
- Insects’ contributions to people: ecosystem services and functions provided by insects
2026 · Annals of the Entomological Society of America
Lists how insects support ecosystems and human needs.
- Trees Facilitate Hibiscus meyeri , a Common Savanna Forb, via Multiple Mechanisms
2026 · Journal of Vegetation Science
Shows how trees help a savanna plant by improving conditions and protecting it from browsers.
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- Reduction of Tree Water Stress by Large Herbivores in an African Savanna
2026 · Ecology Letters
Shows how removing large herbivores affects tree growth and water stress in savannas.
- Global patterns in plant–pollinator specialization
2026 · Nature Ecology & Evolution
Finds that plant-pollinator specialization varies by location, not climate.
- Impacts of large herbivores on savanna plant communities: Predictive models of herbivore selectivity and plant response
2026 · Ecology
Tests whether large herbivores affect savanna plants by preferring certain species.
Plain-language summaries are AI-written and reviewed by us; check the paper for details.
How to reach out
Todd Palmer hasn't set up this page yet. Their UF Scholars profile lists their publications.