Team

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)

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).

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.
 

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. 

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.

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.