Team

Leitung

Mitarbeiterfoto
Prof. Dr. Markus Pfenninger
Professor, Head of the Molecular Laboratory, Head of Research Group 'Molecular Ecology'

Research interests

The focus of my research is the genomic basis of niche evolution, speciation and local adaptation with closely related species pairs and intraspecific variation in land and freshwater snails, non-biting midges and extremophile molly fishes. We take an integrative approach: field studies, ecological and evolutionary experiments, comparative genomic approaches and experimental evolution. The ultimate vision thereby is to relate ecological differences functionally to their genomic basis.

Former Projects:

D1: cross-taxon genomic basis of climate-relevant fitness traits

D3: development of taxonomic dna-chips and other high-troughput tests for the routine identification of monitoring samples

D3.1: benthos barcoding

A1.3: radiation of pulmonata during the cenozoic [ellobioidea] (2008-2011)

A1.7: model selection

B1.14: tropical marine ecosystems: diversity and dynamics of coral reef ecosystems and reef-associated fish assemblages

C5.2: evolutionary adaptation potential of key aquatic species of different climatic regions

Curriculum Vitae

Aktuelle Publikationen

Mitarbeiter

Mitarbeiterfoto
Dr. Barbara Feldmeyer
Researcher, Member of Research Group 'Molecular Ecology'

Research interests
evolutionary genetics, evolutionary ecology, behavioural genetics  

I am interested in the adaptive potential of organisms to their environment. This may include abiotic factors, such as temperature, as well as biotic factors, such as the interplay within a social ant colony.

Niche evolution 
Closely related species, as well as different populations of one species, often occupy different niches and are thus adapted to different environmental properties. I’m interested in the adaptive potential of species to their environment, specifically to changing temperature and climate conditions. In this respect, a combinatory approach of studying both, proximate (phenotypic) as well as ultimate (genetic) traits is optimal. The combination of different methods (e.g. life-history trait determination, identification of selected genes) allows to draw conclusions on the proportion of phenotypic plasticity and evolutionary differentiation on the regulatory or structural level. As study organism I am working with the pond snail genus, Radix. Niche models have shown, that the distribution ranges between species (as well as populations) differ in temperature, as well as length of dry period.            

Behavioural genetics 
Social Hymenopterans feature a number of special traits, which clearly set them apart from all other animal groups. In ants, different worker castes and the queens develop from the same genetic background (polyphenism). In addition ant workers are further specialized on various tasks, from brood tending, over nest guarding to foraging. In some ant species behavioural caste differentiation is associated with morphological caste differentiation, however in other species monomorphic workers perform the different duties. I’m interested in the genetic mechanisms that lead to the development of the different castes as well as their differential behaviours. The genus Temnothorax is an ideal study system, as salvemakeing evolved several times independently, thus making it possible to investigate and compare the evolution of behavioural patterns in closely related species. In addition, the system allows to investigate co-evolutionary processes and local adaptation between closely related slavemaker and host species.  

External Links
List of publications at Google Scholar Profile
Barbara Feldbmeyers‘ Researcher ID

Team
Maide Nesibe Macit (PhD student)
Shadi Karimifard (PhD student)

Former Students
Marina Choppin (PhD student)
Austin Alleman (PhD student)
Juliane Hartke (PhD student)
Philip Kohlmeier (PhD student)
Matteo Negroni (PhD student)

CV

Publication list

Dr. Axel Magdeburg
Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter
Dr. María Esther Nieto Blázquez
PostDoc, Member of Research Group 'Molecular Ecology'

I am an evolutionary biologist interested in molecular phylogenetics, genomics, systematics, biogeography and conservation. I use molecular tools in order to understand the evolutionary history of organisms, biodiversity origin, and molecular mechanisms at the population-species-environment interface. I have also experience working at Herbaria and I am passionate about natural collections. My current projects aim to elucidate the demographic history of German wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) populations using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and population genomics of European beech (Fagus sylvatica).

·         2014-2019 Ph.D. in Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada. Thesis: ‘Historical biogeography of endemic plants in the Caribbean and Podocarpus as a case study’

·         2008-2009 MSc in Taxonomy and Biodiversity of Plants, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh & University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Thesis: ‘Phylogenetic and morphometric studies in Lathyrus L. Series Lutei (Fritsch), Papilionoideae and other yellow-flowered Lathyrus’

·         1999-2006 BSc (Hons) in Biology, University of Seville (US), Spain. Specialization in Botany and Ecology                                         

Nieto-Blázquez, M.E., Quiroga, M.P., Premoli, A.C. & Roncal, J. (2021) Podocarpus in Hispaniola: a stepping-stone colonization story. Diversity and Distributions, 00, 1– 13. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddi.13444
 

Nieto-Blázquez, M.E., Peña-Castillo, L. & Roncal, J. (2021) Historical biogeography of Caribbean Podocarpus does not support the progression rule. Journal of Biogeography 48, 690-702. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jbi.14034

 

Roncal, J., Nieto-Blázquez, M.E., Cardona, A. & Bacon, C.D. (2020) Historical biogeography of Caribbean plants revises regional paleogeography. In: (eds.) Rull, V. and Carnaval, A. Neotropical Diversification. Springer Nature. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-31167-4_20

 

Pichardo-Marcano, F.J., Nieto-Blázquez, M.E., MacDonald, A.N., Galeano, G. & Roncal, J. (2019) Phylogeny, historical biogeography and diversification rates in an economically important group of Neotropical palms: Tribe Euterpeae. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 133, 67-81. Editor’s choice paper. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1055790318305633

 

Nieto-Blázquez, M.E., Antonelli, A. & Roncal, J. (2017) Historical Biogeography of endemic seed plant genera in the Caribbean: Did GAARlandia play a role? Ecology and Evolution 7(23), 10158-10174. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ece3.3521

 

 

Lorenzo Rigano Mitarbeiter
Lorenzo Rigano
PhD candidate

Research interests

In my PhD project, I am investigating the expected phenotypic and genomic variation in the non-biting midge Chironomus riparius, when exposed to a mixture of anthropogenic substances (e.g. tire abrasion from roads).
The assessment of the effects of anthropogenic inputs on the environment is currently limited to phenotypic traits and fitness, but before these effects manifest themselves, changes in genomic composition are expected (like allele frequency changes). The aim of my research is to exploit genomic methods to assess the effects of anthropogenic mixtures of substances.
However, population genomic analyses will be complemented by life-cycle experiments in order to gain a complete picture of the evolutionary consequences of stressor exposition over multiple generations.
 

Since 06/2022 PhD in “Evolutionary Ecotoxicology” in the Molecular Ecology Group at the Senckenberg Biodiversity & Climate Research Centre – Frankfurt am Main   04/2020 M.Sc. in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Milan 
Master´s thesis: “Ecotoxicological assessment of sludges and hydrochars using zebrafish Danio rerio embryos.”   04/2017 B.Sc. in Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Parma
Bachelor´s thesis: “Comparative composition analysis between overlapping and non-overlapping genes of eukaryotic viruses.”
Linda Eberhard Mitarbeiterin
Linda Eberhard
Doktorandin AG Pfenninger

Research Interests  
Global climate change is leading to increased temperatures and prolonged droughts. In Germany, the severe droughts of 2018 and 2019 caused a visible stress response in many European beech (Fagus sylvatica) trees, though some trees seemed unaffected. Indeed, a preliminary study identified Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) connected to drought resistance which convey a fitness benefit to the respective individuals. The goal of my PhD project is to further reveal the genomic basis of drought resistance in European beech and to ultimately develop an evolutionary-based management practice which will improve the adaptative potential of this species.  
To this end I am performing Pool-seq analyses to investigate the selective forces already acting upon natural beech populations. This approach is complemented by a drought experiment with beech seedlings to test the implications of the genotype on phenotypic traits. Based on these findings we are going to develop a population genetic model to determine which forestry management practice allows adaptation to climate change and the fastest spread of drought-resistant genotypes in beech populations. 

Vita 

Since 2023 PhD at SBiK-F research group Molecular Ecology 
Title: Fagus sylvatica under drought stress 

2023 MSc. Ecology and Evolution, Goethe University Frankfurt 
Thesis title: Changes in genomic expression as a response to light stress exposure in the midge Chironomus riparius  

2021 BSc.  Conservation Biology/Political Science/Environmental Chemistry, Koblenz Landau University 
Thesis title: Temporal and spatial variation in community composition and diversity of Chironomids  

2015 Diploma of Environmental Monitoring & Technology, Challenger Institute of Technology, Murdoch, Western Australia 
 

Burak Bulut
Burak Bulut
Doktorand AG Pfenninger

Research Interest

My research interest lies in exploring the intricate connections between the environment and the genetic makeup of organisms. In particular, I am fascinated by the effects of temperature on mutation rates in the model organism C. riparius. This organism has been the subject of numerous studies and has been found to have a significant impact on the evolution of species. My research aims to delve deeper into this relationship and uncover new insights that will deepen our understanding of the natural world. My research focuses on the intricate connections between temperature, mutation rates, and the evolution of C. riparius. I aim to uncover new insights and understanding that will deepen our knowledge of the natural world in the field of evolution and ecology.

CV

Maide Nesibe Macit
Doktorandin

Research interests

Social insects are highly fascinating due to their exceptional organization structure, resembling that of a superorganism. These remarkable creatures have evolved complex social systems that facilitate collective action for the benefit of the entire colony, and a means of ensuring personal safety. However, what happens when this behavior is exploited, and the safety of the colony members as well as the colony as a whole is compromised?

In the context of my doctoral research, I am collaborating with PhD student Erwann Collin (University of Mainz, Germany) to investigate the consequences of disrupting this family dynamic through social parasitism. Specifically, we aim to explore the genomic adaptations of the host species Temnothorax longispinosus to its obligate social parasite, Temnothorax americanus. These two somewhat closely related ant species engage in a reciprocal cycle of co-adaptation, wherein the host must respond genomically, genetically, morphologically, and/or behaviourally to the adaptations of the parasite.

Our investigation entails analysing multiple populations along a gradient of parasite success to identify genomic fingerprints that directly link to the local success of the parasite. By doing so, we hope to ascertain whether coevolution takes different trajectories depending on the locale or if it occurs in parallel. Ultimately, our study will enhance our understanding of the genetic mechanisms of adaptation during coevolution, thereby contributing to the advancement of this critical field of study.

 

Vita

Since 2020: PhD Candidate, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz (AG Foitzik) and Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (AG Pfenninger)

2017 – 2020: M.Sc. in Applied Bioinformatics, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz (Thesis: „ Gene expression  analysis sheds light on molecular regulation of lifespan extension with fertility in workers of the ant Temnothorax rugatulus”, Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Susanne Foitzik)

2012 – 2017: B.Sc. in Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf (Thesis: „Comprehensive determination of unmapped reads in wild tomato species“, Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Laura Rose)

 

Publications

Stoldt, M., Macit, M.N., Collin, E., Foitzik, S. (2022) Molecular (co)evolution of hymenopteran social parasites and their hosts. Current Opinion in Insect Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cois.2022.100889

Negroni, M.A., Macit, M.N., Stoldt, M., Feldmeyer, B. Foitzik, S. (2021) Molecular regulation of lifespan extension in fertile ant workers. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2019.0736

Shadi Karimifard
Ph.D. candidate, Feldmeyer group & Menzel group

My primary research foci lie within the realms of evolutionary ecology and epigenetics. I am particularly intrigued by the complex interplay between genetic mechanisms and environmental influences. Given that underlying mechanisms support the development of new phenotypes over time through evolution, I am very interested in investigating the mechanisms behind rapid diversification of insect CHC profiles in aculeate Hymenoptera. I am currently involved in a big project with a diverse research team, where we aim to evaluate the significance of different genomic and gene regulatory processes in the divergence of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) across the phylogeny of aculeate Hymenoptera. 

PhD Project

Evolutionary innovation involves genomic and regulatory mechanisms, especially intriguing in rapidly evolving traits like insects‘ cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs). The Aculeate Hymenoptera, with diverse CHC profiles and eusocial behavior, is an ideal model for studying these traits. Their social structure allows the study of caste-related CHC differences within a single genome, while their well-defined phylogeny aids in tracing genomic changes. Research focuses on gene expression in tissues from multiple individuals to represent diverse CHC phenotypes.
 
CHCs protect insects from desiccation and serve as chemical signals. In solitary insects, CHCs act as contact sex pheromones, while in social insects, they convey information about tasks, fertility, and recognition. Species typically have either methyl-branched alkanes or unsaturated CHCs, which can evolve rapidly, with closely related species often showing opposite profiles. This project aims to uncover the factors driving CHC diversification by studying 13 pairs of closely related species with distinct chemical profiles, examining gene expression, coding sequences, mRNA splicing, and regulatory processes, including differences between sexes and castes.

Shadi Karimifard (she/her/hers)

January 2023
PhD. Student. Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz,
Title: Genomic and gene regulatory basis of rapid evolutionary diversification of a multifunctional trait
Direct Supervisors: PD Dr. Florian Menzel (FM), Mainz, Dr. Barbara Feldmeyer (BF)
Supervisors: Frankfurt a. M.;; PD Dr. Volker Nehring (VN), Freiburg; Prof. Dr. Oliver Niehuis (ON), Freiburg i. Br.; Dr. Jan Buellesbach (JB), Münster; Prof. Dr. Thomas Schmitt, (TS), Würzburg

2018-2021
Master student. Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
Title: Biodiversity and Ecosystems Management
Project Title: “Genetic diversity of earthworms in farmlands of the northern Zagros”
 
2012-2016
Arak University, Arak, Iran.
Bachelor of Science: Environmental Engineering and Science

Karimifard, S., Saberi-Pirooz, R., Ahmadzadeh, F., & Aghamir, F. (2023). Heliyon Investigating the impacts of agricultural land use on soil earthworm communities: A case study of northern Zagros Mountains of Iran. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23523

Ehemalige Mitarbeiter

Dr. Ann-Marie Waldvogel née Oppold
PostDoc, Member of Research Group 'Molecular Ecology', Jun.-Prof. am Institut für Zoologie an der Universität zu Köln

Research interests

Population genetics & genomics with insects, genomics of population divergence, molecular ecology and evolution, adaptation and climate, epigenetic response to environment

I am interested in genomic mechanisms that shape populations, eventually driving population divergence. Such mechanisms can be influenced by extrinsic (abiotic of biotic interactions with the environment of individuals) or intrinsic factors (interaction of different genomic and molecular elements) or a complex interplay of both. 
My current research focuses on evolutionary dynamics of Chironomus riparius, the non-biting midge or harlequin fly. I am investigating population genomic signatures of the different evolutionary forces, i.e. mutation, selection, drift, gene flow, and recombination. Moreover, I aim to disentangle the influence of climate factors, especially temperature (as extrinsic factors), as well as the influence of mobile genetic elements (as intrinsic factors) on the evolution of population divergence.

My approaches combine population genomics with individual genome scans and Pool-Seq data, common garden experiments, experimental evolution, and field work.

Google Scholar Profile

 CV

Müller R, Shinn C, Waldvogel AM, Oehlmann J, Ribeiro R, Moreira-Santos M (2019): Long-term effects of the fungicide pyrimethanil on aquatic primary producers in macrophyte-dominated outdoor mesocosms in two European ecoregions. Science of The Total Environment, 665:982-994, doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.050

Foucault Q, Wieser A, Heumann-Kiesler C, Diogo JB, Cocchiararo B, Nowak C, Waldvogel AM, Pfenninger M (2018): Experimental assessment of reproductive isolation and their consequences for seasonal hybridisation dynamics. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 126(2):327-337, doi: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly177.

Foucault Q, Wieser A, Waldvogel AM, Feldmeyer B, Pfenninger M (2018): Rapid adaptation to high temperatures in Chironomus riparius. Ecology and Evolution,8(24):12780-12789, doi: 10.1002/ece3.4706

Foucault Q, Wieser A, Waldvogel AM, Pfenninger M (2018): Establishing Laboratory Cultures and Performing Ecological and Evolutionary Experiments with the Emerging Model Species Chironomus riparius. Journal of Applied Entomology, doi: 10.1111/jen.12606.

Waldvogel A. , Wieser A., Schell T., Patel S., Schmidt H., Hankeln T., Feldmeyer B., Pfenninger M. (2018) (minor revisions): The genomic footprint of climate adaptation in Chironomus riparius. Molecular Ecology, 27(6): 1439-1456, doi: 10.1111/mec.14543

Oppold A., Pfenninger M. (2017): Direct estimation of the spontaneous mutation rate by short-term mutation accumulation lines in Chironomus riparius. Evolution Letters, doi: 10.1002/evl3.8. 

Oppold A., Schmidt H., Rose M., Hellmann S.L., Dolze F., Ripp F., Weich B., Schmidt-Ott U., Schmidt E., Kofler R., Hankeln T., Pfenninger M. (2017): Chironomus riparius (Diptera) genome sequencing reveals the impact of minisatellite transposable elements on population divergence. Molecular Ecology, 26: 3256–3275. doi:10.1111/mec.14111

Oppold A., Müller R. (2017, in press): Epigenetics – A hidden target of insecticides. In: Epigenetics: how the environment can have impact on genes and regulate phenotypes. Advances in Insect Physiology. Volume 53, Verlinden H (eds).

Kreß A., Oppold A. Kuch U., Oehlmann J., Müller R. (2017 in press): Cold tolerance of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus and its response to epigenetic alterations. Journal of Insect Physiology, doi: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.04.003.

Oppold, A., Pedrosa, J.A.M., Balint, M., Diogo, J. B., Ilkova, J., Pestana, J.L.T. & M. Pfenninger (2016): Support for the evolutionary Speed hypothesis from intraspecific Population genetic data in the non-biting midge Chironomus riparius. – Proceedings of the Royal Society B

Müller R., Charaf S., Scherer C., Oppold A., Oehlmann J., Wagner M. (2016): Phenotypic and epigenetic effects of vinclozolin in the gastropod Physella acuta. Journal of Molluscan Studies

Oppold, A., Kreß, A., Vanden Bussche, Diogo, J.B., Kuch, U., Oehlmann, J., Vandegehuchte, M.B., Müller, R. (2015): Epigenetic alterations and decreasing insecticide sensitivity of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 122, p 45-53,  doi:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.06.036

Mitarbeiterfoto
Quentin Foucault
Ph.D. Student, Member of Research Group 'Molecular Ecology'

“Rapid seasonal thermal adaptation in Chironomus riparius”

Research interests

As a PhD student in the Molecular Ecology Group of Prof. Markus Pfenninger I am interested in how a multi-voltine insect species, the non-biting midge Chironomus riparius, is coping with seasonal thermal variations. The aim of this project is to investigate the possibility of a rapid seasonal temperature adaptation using a genomic approach to look for seasonal variation in allele frequencies. We use common garden experiments on natural populations, to simulate the seasonal temperature oscillation. The population genomic analyses will be complemented with life-cycle experiments in order to test for the selective fitness advantage related to this thermal adaptation.

CV

Mitarbeiterfoto
Dr. Friederike Reuß
PostDoc, Member of Research Group 'Molecular Ecology'

Research interests/current works

I am a trained ecologist with keen interest in insects, especially disease vectors and agricultural pests. The methods I apply range from insect bioassays to monitoring and control of field populations, and include molecular DNA and RNA work as well as population modelling. With my work I wish to contribute to the scientific knowledge basis of integrated management plans and applied ecology. My current projects focus on the temperature-dependent development of spotted wing drosophila and Asian bush mosquito.

Short CV

Since 2018 Research Associate/PostDoc at SBiK-F research group ‘Molecular Ecology’
2014-2020 PhD thesis at Goethe University Frankfurt/SBiK-F research group ‘Molecular Ecology’
2012-2013 Student/research assistant at BiK-F research group ‘Evolutionary Vertebrate Genomics’
2011-2012 Master studies in Ecology and Evolution at Goethe University Frankfurt 2009-2010 Study abroad at Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
2007-2011 Bachelor studies in Biology at Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg

Bock F, Kuch U, Pfenninger M, Müller R (2015) Standardized laboratory feeding of larval Aedes japonicus japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae). – Journal of Insect Science 15(1): 144. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/jisesa/iev126

Müller R, Knautz T, Vollroth S, Berger R, Kreß A, Reuss F, Groneberg DA, Kuch U (2018) Larval superiority of Culex pipiens to Aedes albopictus in a replacement series experiment: Prospects for coexistence in Germany. – Parasites & Vectors 11: 80. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-018-2665-3

Reuss F, Wieser A, Niamir A, Balint M, Kuch U, Pfenninger M (2018) Thermal experiments with the Asian bush mosquito (Aedes japonicus japonicus) (Diptera: Culicidae) and implications for its distribution in Germany. – Parasites & Vectors 11: 81. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-018-2659-1

Wieser A, Reuss F, Niamir A, Müller R, O’Hara RB*, Pfenninger M* (2019) Modelling seasonal dynamics, population stability, and pest control in Aedes japonicus japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae) – Parasites & Vectors 12: 142. *shared last authors. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-019-3366-2

Fennessy J, Bock F, Tutchings A, Brenneman R, Janke A (2013) Mitochondrial DNA analyses show that Zambia’s South Luangwa Valley giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis thornicrofti) are genetically isolated. – African Journal of Ecology 51: 635-640. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.12085

Bock F*, Gallus S*, Janke A, Hailer F, Steck BL, Kumar V, Nilsson MA (2014) Genomic resources and genetic diversity of captive lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis). – Zoo Biology 33(5): 440-445. *shared first authors. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.21146

Bock F, Fennessy J, Bidon T, Tutchings A, Marais A, Deacon F, Janke A (2014) Mitochondrial sequences reveal a clear separation between Angolan and South African giraffe along a cryptic rift valley. – BMC Evolutionary Biology 14: 219. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-014-0219-7

Fennessy J, Bidon T, Reuss F, Kumar V, Elkan P, Nilsson MA, Vamberger M, Fritz U, Janke A (2016) Multi-locus analyses reveal four giraffe species instead of one. – Current Biology 26: 1-7. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2016.07.036

Fennessy J, Winter S, Reuss F, Kumar V, Nilsson MA, Vamberger M, Fritz U, Janke A (2016) Response to “How many giraffe species are there?” – Current Biology 27: R137-R138. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2016.12.045

Mitarbeiterfoto
Juliane Hartke
Ph.D. Student, Member of Research Group 'Molecular Ecology'

Project: Evolution, genetic basis and behavioural consequences of cuticular hydrocarbon profiles in parabiotic ants

Research interests

My PhD project focuses on the genomic basis of cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) evolution. CHCs in insects evolved as a barrier against desiccation, though they also play an important role in chemical communication, as they for example show information about an individual’s species- and colony membership. The neotropical ant species Crematogaster levior shares a nest with its obligate parabiotic partner Camponotus femoratus. In such species associations, chemical communication via CHCs is an important factor to mediate the acceptance by the respective partner. Interestingly, in both species the CHC profile is highly variable. By studying the genomic basis of cuticular hydrocarbon evolution in C. levior, we want to gain insight into the mechanisms underlying the coevolution in these non-model organisms. In addition, we analyse the two existing chemotypes in regard to species separation and intraspecific chemical plasticity. To do so, we conduct population genetic analyses, whole genome sequencing and combine this with behavioural observations in the field.

Since 07/2016 PhD on “Evolution, genetic basis and behavioural consequences of cuticular hydrocarbon profiles in parabiotic ants” in the Molecular Ecology Group at the Biodiversity & Climate Research Centre Frankfurt

10/2014 – 06/2016  Master of Science (Biology), Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Study emphasis: Evolutionary biology, Evolutionary Anthropology, Paleo genetics, Population genetics

  • Master thesis: “Intraspecific variation in Temnothorax nylanderi: behavioural and dietary traits”

10/2010 – 10/2013 Bachelor of Science (Biology), Universität Osnabrück
Study emphasis: Evolutionary and behavioural ecology, Zoology

  • Bachelor thesis: “Influence of volatile and tactile communication on reproductive regulation in the lower termite Cryptotermes secundus”
Mitarbeiterfoto
Dennis Schreiber
Ph.D. Student, Member of Research Group 'Molecular Ecology'

Project: Genomic traces of introgressive hybridization and its impact on local Adaptation 

Research interests
In my PhD project I focus on introgressive hybridization on the genomic level within multiple phyla. Since at least around 10% of animal and 25% of plants species are known to occasionally hybridize, studying the evolutionary consequences of introduced genetic material is mandatory (e.g. enhanced adaptation to local biotic and abiotic factors). To find genomic traces of introgressive hybridization, whole genome sequencing of two Radix, Chironomus and Felis MOTUs as well as their respective hybrids will be conducted. By comparing the impact of hybridization on the genome level of these distantly related phyla we will reveal general genomic pattern as well as differences that occur when species hybridize.

Short CV

Since 05/2017 PhD on “Genomic traces of introgressive hybridization and its impact on local adaptation” in the Molecular Ecology Group at the Senckenberg Biodiversity & Climate Research Centre Frankfurt

10/2014 – 03/2017 M.Sc. Environmental Biosciences, University of Trier, 
Study emphasis: Biodiversity and Ecology, Master thesis: “Climate Niche Differentiation in Radix balthica”

10/2010 – 03/2015 B.Sc Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Campus Landau 
Bachelor thesis: “Diversity of earthworm communities in field margins: influence of the distance to the field on biodiversity”

Mitarbeiterfoto
Andreas Wieser
Ph.D. Student, Member of Research Group 'Molecular Ecology'

Research Interests

“Rapid seasonal thermal adaptation in Chironomus riparius”

During my PhD thesis I am supervised by Dr. Bob O’Hara and work closely  together with the Molecular Ecology Group of Prof. Markus Pfenninger. I am interested in how a multi-voltine insect species, the non-biting 
midge Chironomus riparius, is coping with seasonal thermal variations. The aim of this project is to investigate the possibility of a rapid seasonal temperature adaptation using a genomic approach to look for seasonal variation in allele frequencies. To complement the experimental work of my colleague Quentin Foucault, I am utilizing and expanding population genetic models in order to simulate possible trends in the dynamics of populations and allele frequencies.

Dr. Halina Binde Doria
PostDoc, Member of Research Group 'Molecular Ecology'

Research interests

Currently, I’m interested in how organisms respond to changes in their environment at the molecular level with shifting of the gene pool by selection/increased mutation rates. These partially irreversible changes can lead to important changes in ecosystems functions. To this end, my project aims to develop and establish, as a tool in environmental monitoring, an innovative functional monitoring to link observed changes in mutation rates of three different animal models ( Chironomus riparius, Daphnia galeata and Eisenia fetida) with exposure to environmental pollutants.

Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology, with emphasis on Toxicology and Genetics, which took place both, in Brazil and in Germany, at Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) and at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), respectively.  I have large experience in the area of Aquatic Ecotoxicology with emphasis on cell and molecular biology biomarkers of contamination.

Doria, H.B., Ferreira, M. B., Rodrigues, S.D., Lo, S.M., Domingues, C.E., Nakao, L.S., Campos, S.X., Ribeiro, C.A.O., Randi, M.A.F. (2018): Time does matter! Acute copper exposure abolishes rhythmicity of clock gene in Danio rerio. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, v. 155, p. 26-36

Doria, H.B., Voigt, C.L., Sandrini-Neto, L., Campos, S.X., De Oliveira-Ribeiro, C.A., Randi, M.A.F. (2017): How and where to perform biomonitoring studies: different levels of toxic metal pollution are detected in the Alagados Reservoir in Southern Brazil. Evnironmental Science and Pollution Research, v. 24, p. 13080-13094, 2017. 2