Understanding ecological and evolutionary dynamics in space.
metapopulations | metacommunities | metafoodwebs | dispersal and movement behaviour | eco-evolutionary dynamics
theoretical ecology | evolutionary theory | life-history theory | evolutionary ecology | experimental evolution
theoretical ecology | evolutionary theory | life-history theory | evolutionary ecology | experimental evolution
Based at the Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution (ISEM) of the CNRS and the University of Montpellier, France, we aim at understanding the evolution of life-history strategies of animals and plants living in spatially structured populations, communities and foodwebs.
In order to study these spatio-temporal dynamics, the major focus of our research lies on the causes and consequences of dispersal. We analyse the effects of ecological and evolutionary processes at multiple hierarchical levels, from shifts in allele frequencies to metapopulation, metacommunity, metafoodweb and range dynamics. Since evolution can be very rapid our work takes into account interactions between ecological and evolutionary dynamics as well as eco-evolutionary feedbacks.
Our research utilizes both theoretical and experimental approaches. While we advance theory through mathematical models and individual-based simulations, we are particularly interested in combining these insights with empirical evidence from micro- and mesocosms as well as with experimental field work.
In order to study these spatio-temporal dynamics, the major focus of our research lies on the causes and consequences of dispersal. We analyse the effects of ecological and evolutionary processes at multiple hierarchical levels, from shifts in allele frequencies to metapopulation, metacommunity, metafoodweb and range dynamics. Since evolution can be very rapid our work takes into account interactions between ecological and evolutionary dynamics as well as eco-evolutionary feedbacks.
Our research utilizes both theoretical and experimental approaches. While we advance theory through mathematical models and individual-based simulations, we are particularly interested in combining these insights with empirical evidence from micro- and mesocosms as well as with experimental field work.
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featured publications:
Deshpande et al. (2021) Host-parasite dynamics set the ecological theatre for the evolution of state- and context-dependent dispersal in hosts. Oikos.
Moerman F. et al. (2020) Evolution under pH stress and high population densities leads to increased density-dependent fitness in the protist Tetrahymena thermophila. Evolution.
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latest news:
Dr. Felix Moerman successfully defended his PhD. Congratulations! He is #FronhoferLab's first Dr.!
New preprint led by Camille Saade out: "Spatial distribution of local patch extinctions drives recovery dynamics in metacommunities". Check it out!
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