Engelstalige titel: The evolution of ecological specialization across the freshwater habitat gradient: a multidisciplinary approach Periode: Oktober 2000 tot September 2006 Status: Afgelopen
Thesaurustermen Aquatische ecoloige; Community ecology
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven; Departement Biologie; Afdeling Dierenecologie en -systematiek, meer, partner
Vlaamse overheid; Beleidsdomein Economie, Wetenschap en Innovatie; Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek - Vlaanderen (FWO), meer, financier
The project deals with the ecology and evolution of predator- induced defenses (PIDs) in aquatic invertegrates. PIDs are phenotypic changes (morphology, behaviour and/or life history) induced directly by cues associated with predators. PIDs will be studied under conflicting environmental pressures (e.g.,time constraints) and internal conditions (e.g. hunger level). The variation in the use of PIDs by prey species and populations gives the opportunity to study macro- as well as micro-evolution of PIDs, including local adaptation. Prey populations that are locally adapted to a certain predator environment will differ in their use of PIDs, and this will create differences in the strength of direct and indirect interactions with other species in the community. Ultimately, this may result in differences in the dynamics of local food webs.
