Details

Category: 
Student subject
Function: 
Student (University)
Department: 
Aquatic Ecology
Contact: 
Casper van Leeuwen
Closing date: 
Sunday 1 April 2018

Darwin was the first to recognize the importance of animals for the dispersal of plants and small invertebrates. Many organisms produce small seeds or resting stages that are ingested, transported and egested by larger, more mobile animals. This mechanism, known as endozoochory, contributes greatly to the persistence of a broad range of plant and invertebrate species worldwide.

Student project are available focusing on understanding the contribution of endozoochory to whole ecosystems, concentrating on aquatic habitats. Estimating how well species can cope with changes in their environment is becoming more and more relevant to conservation biologists on a global scale. Species that can flexibly colonize new suitable habitat likely have major advantages in responding to a changing climate, pollution, eutrophication, habitat fragmentation or habitat destruction; but are also prospective candidates for invasions. Predictions on the response of species to human global impact therefore crucially depend on understanding species movement.

If you are attracted to the above outlined topic and are looking for an internship, please contact me. You can find more information about me and my research on www.caspervanleeuwen.info. Multiple projects are possible within the larger framework formed by my Marie Curie fellowship, which aims to generate a mechanistic understanding of endozoochory by fish, birds and mammals between wetland ecosystems. Possible approaches include laboratory experiments and modelling.

  • Type: Laboratory experiments or modelling
  • Level: MSc
  • Duration: 6+ months (starting flexible)
  • Supervisor: Casper van Leeuwen (c.vanleeuwen@nioo.knaw.nl)
  • Location: NIOO-KNAW, Wageningen