About Tom Parker

Phone:

(415) 338-2375

Title: 

Professor

Department: 

BiologyCollege of Science and Engineering

Building: 

Hensill Hall (HH)

HH
449/454

Office Hours: 

Monday: 10:40 am-11:30 am
Wednesday: 10:40 am-11:30 am

Office Hours (Additional Info): 

and by appointment.

 

Website(s):

At SF State Since:

1980

Bio:

Education

B.A., Biology, University of Texas, Austin, 1973

M.A, Ecology, University of California, Santa Barbara, 1975

Ph.D., Ecology, University of California, Santa Barbara, 1977

 

Research and Classes

Parker is an ecologist focused on the ecology and evolution of vegetation dynamics.  Research has emphasized chaparral and tidal wetlands the last 10 years.  Research questions concern seed dispersal, seed predation, seed bank dynamics, seedling establishment, and the diffuse mutualisms associated with these life history stages (e.g., mycorrhizal fungi, scatter-hoarding rodents).  Parker is also an expert in the evolution and taxonomy of Arctostaphylos (Ericaceae), the most diverse woody plant genus in California.

Classes primarily taught are Plant Ecology, Community Ecology, Fire Ecology, and graduate seminars.