Mathematical models and experiments on the levels of selection in evolving metaorganisms (A04)

• Subject Area: Evolution, Anthropology ; Bioinformatics and Theoretical Biology ; Microbial Ecology and Applied Microbiology ; Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 261376515

Project A4 aims to study the role of multilevel selection and microbial transmission mode in shaping host-microbiome interactions, the resulting phenotypes and the fitness of hosts and associated microbes. The project will combine theoretical models and computer simulations with experimental evolution of the nematode model host C. elegans, for which the selection on the higher level can be controlled and for which microbial transmission mode can be experimentally manipulated.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1182: Origin and Function of Metaorganisms
• Applicant Institution: Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
• Co-Applicant Institution: Max-Planck-Institut für Evolutionsbiologie
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Thomas C. G. Bosch, until 12/2019; Professor Dr. Sebastian Fraune, until 12/2019; Professor Dr. Hinrich Schulenburg; Professor Dr. Arne Traulsen