Biodiversity and Environment

Actuopalaeontology

Epifauna

Marine Biology

Zooplankton

Members of the DZMB work on projects worldwide. Special emphasis is placed on meio- and macrofaunal taxa constituting the benthic communities, plants and animals of the plankton, and ecological and evolutionary aspects.

Medical Biodiversity and Parasitology

We conduct research on medically relevant organisms, including parasites, disease vectors (e.g. mosquitoes, rodents, bats) and reservoir hosts. We focus on the population dynamics, ecology, life cycles and transmission mechanisms using a broad spectrum of methods, from specimen-based taxonomy using morphological and molecular approaches, to advanced approaches of phylogeography and niche modelling.

Molecular Evolutionary Biology

Our research aims at understanding organism-environment interactions using molecular tools. We look into the genetic and genomic signatures (in populations, species and communities) as a result of environmental conditions, the influence of climatic factors on the interaction of organisms, and the of partners in a symbiosis and microbiomes in this regard.

Quantitative Biogeography

Our working group investigates interactions between biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and climate on spatiotemporal scales ranging local studies to the globe and from the past to future scenarios. We develop process-based and statistical computer models for simulating the dynamics of species and ecosystems, in particular dynamic regional to global vegetation models.

Systematics and Biogeography

Division

The SDEI focuses its research on phylogenetic systematics as well as on biogeography. That means the examination of phylogeny and classification of species within the megadiverse insect orders such as Hymenoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera.

Crustacea

In the Crustacea section we mainly study decapods. These are animals that the non-specialist will easily classify as crustaceans.

Entomology II

The collections of Entomology II comprise the Hymenoptera and “Insecta Varia” (apterygote orders, Polyneoptera, Psocodea, Hemiptera, Neuropterida, Siphonaptera, and Mecoptera).

Entomology III  – Lepidoptera and Trichoptera

The Entomology III team conducts research into the evolution, speciation, ecological adaptation and distribution primarily of caddisflies and moths.

River and Floodplain Ecology

River and Floodplain Ecology Research at the division is concerned with long-term changes of aquatic biodiversity, the effects of restoration measures on aquatic communities in streams and rivers, as well as the influence of climate change on aquatic invertebrates. These topics are worked on predominantly in the context of different national and international research projects.

River Ecosystem Management

The Section for River Ecosystem Management exists since January 1, 2012. It was established at the Research Station in Gelnhausen and emanates from the former Section Limnic Ecology.

Herpetology

Our research activities focus on the study of the Neotropical herpetofauna (Central and South America). Currently, faunistic and zoogeographic studies are undertaken in the following countries: Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Bolivia. Our studies are taxonomic, zoogeographic, and phylogenetic in nature.

Cryptogams

The cryptogamic section curates the collections of algae, bryophytes, fungi, lichens and ferns of the Herbarium Senckenbergianum (FR).

Conservation Genetics

The Conservation Genetics Group develops and applies modern DNA-based tools to aid research and conservation of endangered European wildlife. 

Hessische Naturwaldreservate – Zoological research in strict forest reserves in Hesse (Germany)

Since the Year of Nature Conservation in 1970 the setup of strict forest reserves throughout Germany was intensified, to gain a spectrum of reserves, which allow an undisturbed development of forest communities and their investigation.

Phanerogams I + II

The two sections work closely together and curate the higher plant collections (seed plants) of the Herbarium Senckenbergianum Frankfurt/M. (FR).

Lichenology and Bryology

The section of lichenology and bryology studies lichens and bryophytes. Focuses are on biodiversity dynamics in the previously heayily polluted Neiße Euroregion compared with the biodiversity hotspot Caucasus and on interactions between lichen and bryophyte vegetation and invertebrate animals. This gives often also impulses for taxonomic research.

Malacology

In Görlitz the focus of the mollusc collection and research is terrestrial snails and slugs, particularly slugs. We also house some small collections of other invertebrate taxa not covered by other divisions, for instance Crustacea.

Mammalogy

The Section Mammalogy houses two extensive collections. Its research focusses on the morphology, ontogeny, evolution and systematics of recent mammals.

Mesofauna

In this section the ecology and biodiversity of soil micro-arthropods, especially mites and springtails, and their importance for soil functional processes are investigated.

Myriapoda

The collection includes centipedes and millipedes, woodlice and earthworms. The main research focus is on taxonomic, zoogeographic and ecological studies of myriapods.

Nematoda

The section deals with nematodes and tardigrades, their ecology, diversity, their fascinating adaptability to extremes as well as their importance in the food web.

Oribatida

The research of the section focuses on the dispersal pathways and mechanisms of oribatid mites and the soil faunal communities at bog sites and their indicator value.

Phanerogams I

Herpetology

Lepidoptera

Butterflies and Moths

In the entire realm of organisms the butterflies and moths are the largest community of descent of herbivorous species. So far about 160,000 species have been described, but it is estimated that 500,000 butterfly and moth species live on Earth. About 1,000 new species are described each year.