Working Group

Evolution in the Anthropocene: How nature adapts to global change
 
Welcome! At the intersection of evolutionary genomics, ecology and ecotoxicology, our research group investigates how wild populations respond to rapid environmental change. We are living in an era of profound upheaval. Climate change, chemical pollution and habitat loss are placing nature under immense pressure. Yet evolution does not stand still. Using state-of-the-art genomic methods – that is, the sequencing and analysis of the entire genome – we investigate the mechanisms that enable wild populations to respond to these human-induced stressors. Our focus ranges from short-term physiological responses to long-term genetic adaptations.
 
Climate change: The race against global warming and drought
 
How do native ecosystems respond to increasing heat and drought? We are investigating this, amongst other things, in key forest tree species such as the European beech (Fagus sylvatica). By combining population genomic data with environmental modelling and satellite observations (remote sensing), we identify genetic variants that help trees survive extreme periods of drought. This knowledge is crucial for making our forests sustainable and more resilient.
 
Evolutionary Ecotoxicology: The invisible dangers in the environment
 
Using our model organism, the midge (Chironomus riparius), we can demonstrate that environmental pollution is not only toxic but also acts as a powerful evolutionary driver. It forces rapid genetic adaptation and can trigger cellular stress that directly affects genetic material. Our water bodies and soils are often exposed to complex mixtures of new pollutants. We are investigating the effects of microplastics, tyre wear (urban sediments), heavy metals such as cadmium, and artificial night-time lighting (ALAN) on living organisms.
 
Mutation rates: The fundamental driving force of evolution
 
To understand just how flexibly species can respond, we investigate the pace of evolution. We measure the spontaneous mutation and recombination rates of DNA and analyse how these are altered by environmental factors such as temperature, pollutants or the rate of development. This basic research helps us to decipher how the genetic diversity arises from which natural selection can draw in a fluctuating environment. Social insects: the genetics of behaviour, ageing and parasitism Another key area of focus, shaped by the work of Barbara Feldmeyer, is dedicated to the fascinating societies of ants (such as those of the genus Temnothorax). We investigate how social structures, complex division of labour and extreme differences in life expectancy (queens versus workers) are controlled at the genetic and molecular levels. A particularly exciting area is social parasitism: we are unravelling the evolutionary arms race between parasitic ants and their unwilling hosts. We also examine how these social insects respond to temperature changes by rapidly adapting their gene activity, and how their vital chemical communication system (sense of smell) has been shaped by evolution.
 
Social insects: the genetics of behaviour, ageing and parasitism
 
Another key area of research, focuses on the fascinating societies of ants (such as those of the genus Temnothorax). We investigate how social structures, complex division of labour and extreme differences in life expectancy (queens vs. workers) are controlled at the genetic and molecular levels. A particularly exciting area is social parasitism: we are unravelling the evolutionary arms race between parasitic ants and their unwitting hosts. We are also investigating how these social insects respond to temperature changes by rapidly adapting their gene activity, and how their vital chemical communication system (sense of smell) has been shaped by evolution.
 
Biodiversity and evidence-based species conservation
 
The recording and conservation of biological diversity form the foundation of our work. We are creating high-quality reference genomes for a wide variety of species – from invasive mosquitoes and land snails to the critically endangered European wildcat. In the case of the latter, we are using historical and current genomic data to understand the impact of human activity and hybridisation processes (interbreeding with domestic cats). Such genomic time series provide the necessary evidence for targeted and locally adapted conservation measures.
 
Our mission
 
By deciphering the genetic basis of adaptation processes, we aim to make nature’s responses to global change predictable. Our research provides important insights for assessing the viability of populations and developing scientifically sound strategies for future nature conservation.