From molecules to ecosystems |
Other topics |
Other topics include research on the relevance of UV-irradiation for aquatic organisms and their counter adaptations and the ecology of coral reefs. We developed methods to enhance recruitment of corals ex situ in the laboratory and to restore damaged reefs. We study interference competition in corals, which is from the ecological and evolutionary perspective closely related to our studies of inducible defenses. We use microsatellites for population genetic studies of scleractinian corals. We conduct these studies in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, in the Red Sea, and in our experimental coral reef aquaria system. Because we study ecological and evolutionary principles we are working with different model systems, which in turn allows to answer comparative questions. Our research area ranges from marine to freshwater systems covering a species range from protists to vertebrates. PD Dr. Thomas Eltz is interested in the chemical and sensory ecology of bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae), in particular how odors influence foraging and mating behavior. He uses behavioral experiments, chemical analysis (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry), and electrophysiological methods (electroantennography) to shed light on the evolution of bee semiochemicals and olfaction. Further interests include population biology and conservation genetics of bees. Focal groups are bumblebees (Bombus spp.) and neotropical orchid bees (Euglossini). Dr. Linda Weiss is interested in the ability of the model freshwater crustacean Daphnia that can respond to changing environmental conditions with phenotypic plasticity. Her research overarches the identification of signaling cues, to the different perceptive strategies that are fundamental for organismal adaptation to changing environmental conditions. |