Lampert Group
Research interests
We investigate how ecological processes and evolutionary history shape patterns of biodiversity. By combining population genetic and phylogenetic approaches, we explore the mechanisms driving adaptation and speciation across diverse species and environments. Our research bridges molecular data, evolutionary theory, and ecological context to uncover how genetic variation is maintained and how evolutionary forces operate at both micro- and macroevolutionary scales.
CRC 1211 - Earth Evolution at the dry limit
In the CRC 1211 we are participating in two sub-projects (C05 and C07) where we investigate how geology and biology co-evolve. We analyse if biological evolution can help date geological events and what influence tectonic and climatic changes have on the evolution of aquatic animals.
In our projects we observed that present genetic patterns of population differentiation and relatedness do not necessarily match the current geographic distribution of the species. It seems that the current genetic patterns need to be interpreted in the light of historic climatic and geological events.
Currently, our focus is on amphipod diversity and - differentiation in the Altiplano (Chile), genetic differentiation of mayflies in a river system in Northern Chile and on patterns of invertebrate diversity and rainfall in Namibia.
Invasive species
Invasive species change local ecosystems and can threaten local species. We are interested in invasion patterns and the ecological consequences of local aquatic ecosystems, but also in understanding what makes invaders successful competitors.
Neogobius melanostomus
The round goby, Neogobius melanostomus, is a very successful invader and very common in the river Rhine. We are mainly interested in the invasion routes and the potential of local adaptation in this fish species.
Knipowitschia caucasica
The newest goby species to be found in the Rhine is Knipowitschia caucasica and during her PhD project Adreeja Chatterjee investigates her biology. She is particulary interested in the invasion history, the competition for food with native and other invasive species and the reproductive behaviour. In her project she combines behavioural experiments and the analysis of stomach content with stable isotope analysis, molecular analyses and bioinformatic analyses of NextGen data sets.
Physella acuta
This freshwater snail has successfully invaded the whole world. Since we even found it in the rivers of Northern Chile, we are interested in its genetic diversity and invasion history.
Conservation projects
Recently, molecular methods are being used increasingly in conservation projects. In co-operation with conservation associations and fisheries federations we investigate the genetic diversity and origin of fish populations and advise re-introduction projects. At the moment we are working on determining the genotypic diversity in the Arctic charr (Salvelis alpestris), estimating the effective population size in Allis shad (Allosa allosa) and the identifying invasion routes of nutrias (Myocastor coypus).
The Amazon molly - Poecilia formosa
The Amazon molly, Poecilia formosa is my main model for studying the evolution and maintenance of clonal reproduction. It is an all-female hybrid species and reproduces gynogenetically, i. e., it produces unreduced diploid eggs but needs sperm from a closely related sexual species to trigger the onset of embryonic development. Usually, the male genetic material is excluded from the oocyte and does not contribute to the offspring (clonal reproduction). Clonal vertebrates are generally thought to be evolutionarily young, slow to evolve and due to the lack of recombination very vulnerable to accumulation of mutations. There is, however, evidence that despite its clonal reproduction P. formosa is quite successful ecologically and also much older than expected. The questions I am interested in the system are therefore, how can unisexuals survive in rapidly changing environments and successfully compete with closely related sexual species.