Forschungsschwerpunkt Biotische Interaktionen
The goal of the newly established research cluster ?Biotic Interactions“ is to understand the evolutionary and ecological functioning of biotic interactions. We are particularly interested in the following topics:
- Mechanistic (genetic, chemical, organismic) functioning of the interactions that occur between different organisms
- Evolutionary origin of biotic interactions (e.g. co-evolution) including the consequences of biotic interaction on speciation and extinction processes
- Understanding the assembly rules of biotic interaction networks and predicting their shift under climate and global change
- Understanding biotic interactions in the context of (multiple) stressors (e.g. light, drought, heat)
Next to the research activities, the activities of the cluster are also represented in teaching, in particular in the M.Sc. program “Ecology, Evolution & Conservation (externer Link, ?ffnet neues Fenster)”.
The following research groups are associated with this cluster:
- Eva Knop
Prof. Dr. Lena Wilfert
- Wichtige Informationen: We study the evolution and ecology of host-parasite interactions in pollinators and other insects.
PD Dr. Tamara Pokorny
- Wichtige Informationen: Variability and evolution of chemical signals
We investigate the causes and consequences of signal variability for communication in insects.
Prof. Dr. Erhard Strohm
- Wichtige Informationen: Evolutionary and chemical ecology of insects
We study behavioural, physiological and chemical adaptations of insects focussing on interactions of bees and wasps with brood parasites and symbionts.
PD. Dr. Eva Schultner
- Wichtige Informationen: I want to understand how environment – and especially social environment – influences individual development and modulates evolution of complex traits.
Prof. Dr. Christoph Oberprieler
- Wichtige Informationen: Plant Evolution and Systematics
We study evolutionary processes that shape plant diversity. Molecular techniques, phylogenetic methods, and population genetic tools are used to investigate particularly the effects of hybridization and polyploidization in plant evolution.
Prof. Dr. Christoph Reisch
- Wichtige Informationen: Molecular Ecology and Conservation Genetics
Genetic variation is essential for plant evolution and conservation. We analyse the mechanisms creating genetic variation and ask how much variation is needed for the longterm protection of endangered plant species
Prof. Dr. Florian Hartig
- Wichtige Informationen: We study the mechanisms and principles underlying the patterns of biodiversity in ecology, evolution and conservation, using computer simulations, statistical methods and more recently, algorithms from machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Prof. Dr. Aline Koch
- Wichtige Informationen: We study how regulatory non-coding and coding RNAs can be used as "sprayable RNAs" to improve the agricultural value of crops
Dr. Christoph Kurze
- Wichtige Informationen: I am interested in understanding the intricate relationships between hosts and parasites. My research has led me to focus in particular on important questions about bee health.
