Our research revolves around the questions of patterns and processes of diversification in the Cenozoic. We focus on the taxon Mollusca and apply a broad array of methodological approaches, from traditional morphological and histological investigations to molecular phylogenetic analyses. The projects studied in our group focus on three major topics:
The role of climate dynamics on species diversification is still in the centre of debate. We are interested in patterns and processes of Cenozoic Diversification and the role of paleoclimatic changes. We are developing rigorous statistical approaches to test whether climate changes triggered biological diversification. Moreover, we are interested in how lineages adapted to changing environmental conditions in relation to modifications of their ecological niche. We develop novel, integrative approaches to understand niche evolution, its drivers, processes and consequences for species diversity. The combination of phylogenetic, ecological, and biogeographic information for different plant and animal groups from various regions in conjunction with climatic data will allow us to reveal the factors that determine the diversity of species across different taxonomic groups and regions on Earth.
Projects:
PIs: Prof. Dr. Annette Klussmann-Kolb, Dr. Jan Schnitzler, Dr. Eugenia Zarza
Collaborations with: Prof. Dr. Markus Pfenninger, Dr. Robert O´Hara
The focus of our phylogenetic studies has been the ph
ylum of Mollusca. We use state-of-the-art molecular phylogenetic approaches utilizing standard nuclear and mitochondrial markers to infer phylogenetic hypotheses for Bivalvia (Pectinidae) and Gastropoda (mainly Heterobranchia). One focus of our studies is the unravelling of patterns and processes of habitat transitions in Gastropoda. Therefore we intensively study taxa from marginal (at the edge of water to land) and terrestrial habitats. Morphological and histological investigations of selected organ systems are used to reconstruct character evolution and to reveal key innovations as adaptations to different habitats.In addition to the reconstruction of the phylogenetic history of selected taxa we are also interested in detecting novel phylogenetically informative molecular markers, by the utilization of genomic and transcriptomic data.
Projects:
PIs: Prof. Dr. Annette Klussmann-Kolb, Yaron Malkowsky, Pedro Romero, Alexander Weigand
Collaborations with: Prof. Dr. Benoit Dayrat, Prof. Dr. Ingo Ebersberger, Prof. Dr. Yasunori Kano, PD Dr. Michael Schrödl, Prof. Dr. Heike Wägele
We have intensively studied the biology, taxonomy and diversity of microgastropods of the taxon Carychiidae (Eupulmonata, Ellobioidea). We have achieved a so far unseen worldwide taxon sampling of Carychiidae including both epigean (Carychium spp.) and troglobitic (Zospeum spp.) lineages. Shell morphology, anatomy, histology and molecular diversity have been addressed. Barcoding and molecular phylogenetic studies uncover a high degree of cryptic diversity. Phylogeographic and phylogenetic studies provide insights into the evolutionary dynamics and help to understand todays biogeographical patterns.
Projects:
PIs: Alexander Weigand, Adrienne Jochum, Yaron Malkowsky
Collaborations with: Dr. Carlos E. Prieto, Prof. Dr. Ruud Bank, Dr. Rajko Slapnik, Prof. Dr. Yasunori Kano, Dr. Yuichi Kameda, Dr. Dirk Steinke, Stefan Zaenker, Bärbel Vogel
Arbeitskreis für Phylogenie & Systematik
Prof. Dr. Annette Klussmann-Kolb
Institut für Ökologie, Evolution und Diversität der Goethe-Universität
Besucheradresse
Biologicum, Campus Riedberg
Gebäudeteil D, 2. Stock
Max-von-Laue-Str. 13
60438 Frankfurt am Main
T +49 69 798-42212
F +49 69 798-42211
E klussmann-kolb@bio.uni-frankfurt.de
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