Project

The influence of endosymbionts on the evolution of dispersal in arachnids

Code
3G005709
Duration
01 January 2009 → 31 December 2014
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Promotor
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Animal biology
    • Plant biology
  • Agricultural and food sciences
    • Agricultural plant production
    • Horticultural production
Keywords
endosymbiont evolution dispersal
 
Project description

Dispersal is a key parameter that affects the viability and persistence of metapopulations. Biotic interactions may have a strong influence on dispersal evolution. Endosymbiont bacteria comprise such organisms because of their strong effects on local population dynamics of arthropods. To test this hypothesis, we perform empirical research by means of artificial mite and spider mite metapopulations. Theoretical research is performed by means of individual based models.