Aquatic Biodiversity & Biogeography Group
Head: apl. Prof. Dr. Christian Albrecht
We are interested in patterns of aquatic biodiversity and particularly the processes that lead to differential degrees of biodiversity in a given geographical setting. Our group studies these patterns and processes at various spatial and temporal scales ranging from insular conditions to the global distribution of biodiversity. Utilizing mostly benthic invertebrates, predominantly molluscs, we address evolutionary, ecological, and biogeographical questions, particularly in Eurasia and Africa. We use integrative approaches combing various methods such as field ecology, GIS, anatomy/morphology, phylogeography, molecular phylogenetic approaches (DNA-sequencing, AFLP-fingerprinting, microsatellites, likelihood and Bayesian approaches), and molecular clock analyses.
