Landscapes in constant change
The section is interested in the description and investigation of landscapes and ecosystems. For these are not by chance as they are. Shaped by geological and climatic events and constantly changed by evolution, the state of a landscape can only be described temporarily. For example, the north-west German lowlands today do not look the same as they did 10,000 years ago. Anthropogenic and ecological influences have changed the landscape as we know it today.
And this change is continuing. Be it through agriculture and forestry, through climate change or the evolutionary "arms race" that has been taking place since life on earth has existed. Landscapes, ecology and evolution are inseparably intertwined and constantly changing. The world is ours to discover.
Ecology of sustainable land use
How can biodiverse, functional and resilient ecosystems sustain in the presence of global disturbances and change? With a focus on arthropod biodiversity and arthropod-plant interactions, we are investigating the links between land use intensity and landscape context and the conservation and resilience of biodiversity and associated ecosystem services.
Practical experience
Experience is essential to identify and assess ecosystem processes. We use multi-level field experiments, greenhouse and laboratory experiments, ecological modelling and the combination of environmental data sets. Students test their practical experience on regular field trips.
