Modelling the co-evolution of life and landforms (C07)

• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 268236062

During the third funding period, our plan is to use the new modeling framework to model plant diversity evolution in the Namibia Desert and, in doing so, compare the response of biological systems under arid conditions under two contrasting geomorphic scenarios: active uplift (as in the Andes) vs passive down-wearing (as along the margins of the South African plateau). We also plan on using the framework to estimate how efficient tectonics (faulting) is in disturbing drainage patterns under various levels of aridity using phylogenetic constraints on aquatic species collected during the second funding period. This will also require to develop a dispersal module specific to aquatic species.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1211: Earth - Evolution at the Dry Limit
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Co-Applicant Institution: Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam - Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ)
• Project Heads: Dr. Steven Binnie, since 7/2024; Professor Dr. Jean Braun; Privatdozentin Dr. Kathrin Lampert, since 7/2024