Evolution, biogeography and genetic diversity of insects and their associated gregarine protists (B02)

• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 268236062

The main goal of our project is to correlate the geographic distribution of desert-adapted insects and their co-evolving endobiotic gregarines with genetic differentiation. This is analyzed in different time scales and related to ancient and current biotic and abiotic factors. Primarily, we would like to identify key conditions over time that resulted in today's diversity and exceptional patterns of endemism in the Atacama Desert. Extensive data obtained in the first phase on insect distribution and habitat requirements have provided valuable information for hypotheses on survival, speciation and minimum requirements for the existence of animals at the dry limit, which we will test through experimental and/or long-term studies in regions with an increasing aridity level.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1211: Earth - Evolution at the Dry Limit
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Hartmut Arndt, since 7/2020; Professor Dr. Reinhard Predel