Forschung

Drittmittelprojekt: DAAD-fellowship, external through collaborations

Kliniken/Institute:
Institut für Zoologie

Projektdetails:
The increasing fragmentation of tropical rain forests, due to anthropogenic landscape changes, is an increasing problem for the biodiversity in this ecosystem. Changes of natural habitats affect individuals of different species in a variety of ways. Therefore, the knowledge of the ecological plasticity and sensitivity of a wide range of species is essential for empirically supported conservation efforts and management. Compared to large mammals, our knowledge about how small mammals are affected by habitat fragmentation is in its infancy. The aim of this study is to assess to what extent forest fragmentation influences the genetic diversity and gene flow among populations of small mammals by means of new methods in conservation genetics. Several small mammal communities from forest fragments of different size will be assessed in composition as well as diversity, and the species-specific abundance as well as the genetic structure of various model species will be studied in detail. The thereby acquired knowledge will help to get a better understanding of specific threats posed to small mammal communities due to forest fragmentation.

Resultate:

Brunke, J.; Russo, I.-R.M.; Orozco-terWengel, P.; Zimmermann, E.; Bruford, M.W.; Goossens, B.; Radespiel, U. (2020): Dispersal and genetic structure of a tropical small mammal, the Bornean tree shrew (Tupaia longipes), in a fragmented landscape along the Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia. BMC Genetics, 21, 43. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12863-020-00849-z

 

Brunke, J.; Radespiel, U.; Russo, I.-R.; Bruford, M.W.; Goossens, B. (2019): Messing about on the river: The role of geographic barriers in shaping the genetic structure of Bornean small mammals in a fragmented landscape. Cons. Gen., 20, 691-704, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-019-01159-3.

Kooperationspartner:

Dr. Benoit Goossens, Danau Girang Field Center, Malaysia and Cardiff University, GB

Prof. Mike Bruford, Cardiff University, GB

Dr. Pablo Orozco-terWengel, Cardiff University, GB

Drittmittelprojekt: Volkswagen Stiftung, external funding through cooperation, 148.400 EUR

Kliniken/Institute:
Institut für Zoologie

Projektdetails:
Die Sensitivität und Spezifität der Pheromonwahrnehmung hängt von den Rezeptoren im Epithelium des VNOs ab. Es wurden bisher zwei Familien von VNO Rezeptoren identifiziert, V1R und V2R. Die Diversität von VNO Rezeptoren ist in den verschiedenen Primatenfamilien wenig untersucht. Das Verständnis der Evolution des VNO ist entscheidend, um die adaptiven Veränderungen der relativen Relevanz verschiedener Sinnessysteme während der Evolution der Primaten zu verstehen. Aufgrund der zunehmenden Degeneration des VNOs und der Pseudogenisierung der V1R Gene bei höheren Affen ereignete sich die adaptive Evolution dieser Gene vermutlich sehr früh innerhalb der Stammesgeschichte der Primaten. Innerhalb dieses Forschungsprojekts werden die funktionellen VNO-Rezeptorgene von basalen Primaten, den Mausmakis (Microcebus spp.), isoliert und hinsichtlich ihrer Variabilität, Selektion und phylogenetischen Bedeutung chrakterisiert. Zudem werden die olfaktorischen Markiersubstanzen hinsichtlich ihrer potentiell signalgebenden Komponenten untersucht und Bioessays zur olfaktorischen Wahrnehmungsleistung von Mausmakis entwickelt.

Resultate:

e.g.

 

Kollikowski, A.; Jeschke, S.; Radespiel, U. (2020): Experimental evaluation of spontaneous olfactory discrimination in two nocturnal primates (Microcebus murinus and M. lehilahytsara). Chemical Senses, 45, 581-592. bjaa051. https://doi.org/10.1093/chemse/bjaa051

 

Caspers, J.; Radespiel, U.; Zimmermann, E. Schulz, S. (2020): Volatile urinary signals of two nocturnal primates, Microcebus murinus and M. lehilahytsara. Frontiers Ecology and Evolution, 8, 158. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2020.00158

 

Kollikowski, A.; Zimmermann, E.; Radespiel, U. (2019): First experimental evidence for olfactory species discrimination in two nocturnal primate species (Microcebus lehilahytsara and M. murinus). Sci. Rep., 9, 20386. http://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-56893-y.

 

Unsworth, J.; Loxley, G.; Davidson, A.; Hurst, J.L.; Gomez-Baena, G.; Mundy, N.I.; Beynon, R.; Zimmermann, E. and Radespiel, U. (2017): Characterisation of urinary WFDC12 in small nocturnal basal primates, mouse lemurs (Microcebus spp.). Scientific Reports, 7, 42940. doi:10.1038/srep42940.

 

Hohenbrink, P.; Mundy, N.I.; Radespiel, U. (2017): Population genetics of mouse lemur vomeronasal receptors: current versus past selection and demographic inferences. BMC Evol.Biol., DOI: 10.1186/s12862-017-0874-6.

Kooperationspartner:

Dr. Nick Mundy, Cambridge University, UK

Prof. Jane Hurst, University of Liverpool, UK

Prof. Rob Beynon, University of Liverpool, UK

Prof. Dr. S. Schulz, TU Braunschweig

Prof. Dr. Markus Rothermel, Universität Magdeburg

Drittmittelprojekt: DFG, 240.125 EUR

Kliniken/Institute:
Institut für Zoologie

Projektdetails:
Neurons in the intermedial nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (INLL) are implicated in cross-frequency integration of auditory signals in bats. Contrary to other auditory brainstem nuclei in rodents, INLL neurons show a strong biophysical heterogeneity, as membrane time constants range over three orders of magnitude. Correlated with the membrane time constant the neuronal output type shows onset, adapting and sustained firing behaviours. We intend to understand this cellular heterogeneity on the molecular, biophysical and synaptic level. Therefore, we combine functional characterisations of INLL neurons with their single cell transcriptome analysis. This project generates the cellular fundament of exploring the functional features of INLL neurons that is so far enigmatic.

Resultate:

Wicke KD, Oppe L, Geese C, Sternberg AK, Felmy F.: Neuronal morphology and synaptic input patterns of neurons in the intermediate nucleus of the lateral lemniscus of gerbils. Sci Rep. 2023 Aug 30;13(1):14182. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-41180-8.

Drittmittelprojekt: Houston Zoo, United States DAAD (reinvitation fellowship to RR), 2.364 EUR

Kliniken/Institute:
Institut für Zoologie

Projektdetails:
The aims of this project are to: determine the limits of the distribution M. gerpi by sampling captured mouse lemurs at varying distances from Sahafina; we use molecular methods to confirm the taxonomic status of all captured mouse lemurs in the study region; determine the sensitivity of M. gerpi to habitat degradation; and based on these findings, formulate recommendations for this species' effective conservation. The chief outcomes of the project will be 1) clarification of the distribution of M. gerpi, and 2) formulation of a conservation action plan for M. gerpi, which will be used to update its IUCN status, and which will be enacted through separately-funded conservation activities including community outreach.

Resultate:

Rakotondravony, R.; Schüßler, D.; Rovanirina, V.S.R.; Ratsimbazafy, J.; Radespiel, U. (2023): Variation in abundance and habitat use of the Critically Endangered Microcebus gerpi across its fragmented range. Am. J. Primatol., 85(11), e23553. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.23553

 

Van Elst, T.; Schüßler, D.; Rakotondravony, D.; Rovanirina, V.S.T.; Veillet, A.; Hohenlohe, P.A.; Ratsimbazafy, J.H.; Rasoloarison, R.M.; Rasoloharijaona, S.; Randrianambinina, B.; Ramilison, M.L.; Yoder, A.D.; Louis, E.E. Jr.; Radespiel, U. (2023): Diversification processes in Gerp's mouse lemur demonstrate the importance of rivers and altitude as biogeographic barriers in Madagascar's humid rainforests. Ecol. Evol., 13: e10254. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10254

Kooperationspartner:

Prof. Dr. Jonah Ratsinbazafy, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar

Dr. Romule Rakotondravony, Universitity of Mahajanga, Madagascar GERP (Groupe d´étude et de recherches sur les primates de Madagascar)

Drittmittelprojekt: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama Secretaria Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia, Panama, 37.170 EUR

Kliniken/Institute:
Institut für Zoologie

Projektdetails:
Variation in biological traits is universal in natural populations and has significant evolutionary and ecological consequences. Behavioral traits or combinations of traits are important as they may affect the survival and reproductive success of individuals. Studies have shown that animal personalities and behavioral traits covary with ecological conditions, dependent on the state of the individual, and can be maintained by frequency dependent selection. Animal personalities have been often been classified along five behavioral axes, namely, shyness-boldness, exploration-avoidance, activity, aggressiveness, and sociability. Some studies have shown that amphibians display personality and behavioral traits. However, implications of animal personality in ecological context remain largely unexplored in amphibians. Neotropical poison frogs are toxic and diurnal amphibians with highly evolved parental care and territorial behavior. In this study, we will investigate behavioral traits and personality of the strawberry poison frog within and between populations that differ in their anti-predator strategy (level of aposematism). Therefore, we will examine variations in exploratory, risk-taking and aggressive behavior by running standardized laboratory-based trials on wild-caught adult O. pumilio. Each frog will be tested in three behavioral trials, with the following sequence: exploration, risk-taking and aggressiveness. Within a population, we expect individuals present variations in behavioral traits and personality, and that behavioral traits might be correlated (syndrome). Among populations we expect more aposematic frogs (brighter coloration, higher toxicity) to be more explorative, bold and aggressive than less aposematic frogs.

Resultate:

Cossio R, Ibáñez R, Rodríguez A, Pröhl H (2024) Do sexes differ in consistent individual differences and behavioural syndrome in an aposematic poison frog. Journal of Zoology 323: 139-149. https://doi.org/10.1111/jzo.13164

Kooperationspartner:

Roberto Ibanez, Ph. D., Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama

MSc. Carolina Esquivel, Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica

Drittmittelprojekt: DAAD, 2.507 EUR

Kliniken/Institute:
Institut für Zoologie

Projektdetails:
The bat genus Carollia, belonging to the family Phyllostomidae, is largely widespread in Central and South America and the species Carollia perspicillata, C. sowelli and C. castanea are known to occur sympatrically in some parts of these regions. These species are very similar in morphology and feeding habits. Moreover, they possess a polygynous social organization, with males defending roosting sites and attracting females in their harem.
It is suggested that vocalizations may play a fundamental role as premating isolation barrier in sympatrically living, cryptic species. This study aims at the comparison of the context-specific social call repertoires in the three Carollia species to evaluate their role as mechanism for maintaining species diversity. Especially, we hypothesize that vocalization from the courtship context differ more among species than those from e.g. agonistic interactions, and that bats are able to discriminate between sister species based on their vocalizations.

Resultate:

Bosia T., Villalobos F, and Schmidt S (2021) Evidence for vocal diversity during physical interference at the perch in sympatric Carollia species (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae): a key to social organization and species coexistence? Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab040/6327516.

Kooperationspartner:

Prof. Federico Villalobos, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, Herediea, Costa Rica

Drittmittelprojekt: DAAD, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and external through collaboration

Kliniken/Institute:
Institut für Zoologie

Projektdetails:
The proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) is a large-bodied folivorous primate, forming harem and bachelor groups in lowland tropical rainforests in Borneo. Due to anthropogenic habitat loss and fragmentation, this primate species is highly endangered, and a better knowledge of their behavior and health status may improve their conservation and management. The goal of this project is to study its superficially known vocal signalling system and its intestinal parasite load to evaluate negative consequences of habitat fragmentation and the zoonotic risks that need to be considered when designing effective management programs. We investigate and compare those aspects in one-male (harem) and all-male (bachelor) groups in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Borneo, as well as in the Labuk Bay Sanctuary to study the role of vocalizations in governing spacing and cohesion. Furthermore, we assess intestinal parasite communities to link them to social grouping pattern and communication and to get insight into their significance for zoonotic diseases.

Resultate:

e.g.:

Scheumann, M., Röper, K. M., Nathan, S. K., & Goossens, B. (2022): Third-party vocal intervention in the proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus). Int. J. Primatol., 43: 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-021-00273-9

 

Klaus, A.; Strube, C.; Röper, K. M.; Radespiel, U.; Schaarschmidt, F.; Nathan, S.; Goossens, B.; Zimmermann, E.(2018): Fecal parasite risk in the endangered proboscis monkey is higher in an anthropogenically managed forest environment compared to a riparian rain forest in Sabah, Borneo in PlosOne 13(4). https:// doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0195584

 

Klaus, A.; Zimmermann, E.; Röper, K.M.; Radespiel, U.; Nathan, S.; Goossens, B.; Strube, C. (2017): Co-infection patterns of intestinal parasites in arboreal primates (proboscis monkeys, Nasalis larvatus)in Borneo.Int. Journ. for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife. 6(3): 320-329. https.//10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.09.005

 

Röper, K.M.; Scheumann, M.; Wiechert, A.B.; Nathan, S.; Goossens, B.; Owren, M.J.; Zimmermann, E. (2014): Vocal acoustics in the endangered proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus). Am. J. Primatol. 76 (2): 192-201. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.22221

Kooperationspartner:

Dr. Benoit Goossens, Danau Girang Field Center, Malaysia, and Cardiff University, GB

Dr. Ikki Matsuda, Primate Research Center, Inumyama, Japan

Dipl. Biol. Kathrin M. Röper, Zoo Hannover

Drittmittelprojekt: DAAD, DGHT

Kliniken/Institute:
Institut für Zoologie

Projektdetails:
Die Pfeilgiftfrösche der Gattung Oophaga zeichnen sich durch ein komplexes Territorial-, Paarungs- und Brutpflegeverhalten aus. Aus diesem Grund sind sie Modellobjekte in vielen Studien zur Beantwortung evolutionsbiologischer Studien. Weiterhin sind die meisten dieser Arten polymorph, d.h. sie unterschieden sich in ihren bioakustischen Signalen, Farbmustern und anderen morphologischen Variablen zwischen den Populationen. Auf Grund dessen ist es häufig schwierig Arten klar abzugrenzen. Das Ziel dieses Projektes ist eine molekular-genetische Studie durchzuführen, in der Arten genetisch eindeutig zugeordnet werden können. Sobald dieses erfolgt ist, folgen weitere Untersuchungen, um herauszufinden in wie weit die Arten sich in ihren ökologischen Ansprüchen und ihrem Verhalten unterscheiden. Das Ziel des Projektes ist es Artbildungsmechamismen besser zu verstehen.

Resultate:

Galindo Uribe D, Sunyer J, Hauswaldt S, Amezquita A, Pröhl H, Vences M (2014) Color and pattern variation and Pleistocene phylogeographic origin of the strawberry poison frog, Oophaga pumilio, in Nicaragua. Salamandra, 50: 225-235

Brusa O, Bellati A, Meuche I, Mundy NI, Pröhl H (2013) Divergent evolution in the polymorphic granular poison-dart frog, Oophaga granulifera: genetics, colouration, advertisement calls and morphology. J Biogeogr 40:394-408

Hauswaldt JS, Ludewig A-K, Vences M, Pröhl H (2011) Widespread co-occurrence of divergent mitochondrial haplotype lineages in a Central American species of poison frog (Oophaga pumilio). J Biogeog 38: 711-726

Hagemann S, Pröhl H (2007) Mitochondrial paraphyly in a polymorphic poison frog species (Dendrobatidae; D. pumilio). Molecular Phylogenetics & Evolution 45: 740-747

Kooperationspartner:

Prof. Dr. Adolfo Amezquita, Universidad de los Andes

Dr. Diana Galindo, Universidad de los Andes

Prof. Dr. Miguel Vences, TU Braunschweig

Drittmittelprojekt: Niedersächsischen Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur, 299.878 EUR

Kliniken/Institute:
Institut für Lebensmittelqualität und -sicherheit
Fachgebiet Allgemeine Radiologie und Medizinische Physik
Institut für Tierernährung
Institut für Zoologie
Institut für Tiergenomik

Projektdetails:
Das Projekt ist so konzipiert, dass digitale Medien in verschiedenen Kontexten angewendet werden. Neben Online-Lernmodulen und Fallbeispielen sollen Videomaterial und Vortrags- sowie Vorlesungsaufzeichnungen eingesetzt werden, so dass E-Learning-Konzepte wie Blended Learning und Inverted Classroom umsetzbar sind. Darüber hinaus werden mit dem Projekt die Zoologischen Übungen, bei denen Präparationen an eigens zu diesem Zwecke getöteten Tiere vorgenommen werden, umgestellt und dadurch die Anzahl von verwendeten Tieren erheblich reduziert. Durch die im Studium frühe Implementation der Digitalisierung der Lehre wird der Weg für weitere digitale Lehrformen im späteren Verlauf des Studiums und für die Weiterentwicklung des bestehenden Curriculums bereitet.

Resultate:

Liebig P, Pröhl H, Sudhaus-Jörn N, Hankel J, Visscher C, Jung K (2022) Interactive, browser-based graphics to visualize complex data in education of biomedical sciences for veterinary students. Medical Science Educator https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-022-01613-x

Drittmittelprojekt: DFG, 352.662 EUR

Kliniken/Institute:
Institut für Zoologie

Projektdetails:
Binaural coincidence detection relies on the precise excitation-inhibition interaction in neurons of the medial superior olive (MSO). This precision is achieved through alterations during late postnatal development, a period marked by the establishment of prominent structure-function relationships in the auditory system. How excitatory inputs to MSO neurons refine during late postnatal development is unknown. In this proposal, we plan to mechanistically investigate these processes, through quantification of the developmental changes of excitatory currents and the morphology of axonal input patterns. To unravel what drives these changes we will perform these experiments in gerbils raised in omnidirectional white noise, which suppresses relevant sensory spatial cues. Conversely, the impact of sound-evoked activity will be eliminated using cochlear ablations. Applying both forms of sensory manipulation will allow us to distinguish whether sound evoked activity or the experience of spatial cues is crucial for functionally important circuit refinements in the MSO. Thus, our study will provide a quantitative insight into mechanisms that drive the development of synaptic excitation at an ultrafast coincidence detector neuron important for sound source localization.

Resultate:

Kladisios N, Wicke KD, Pätz-Warncke C, Felmy F.: Species-Specific Adaptation for Ongoing High-Frequency Action Potential Generation in MNTB Neurons. Journal of Neuroscience 2023 Vol 43:2714-2729

Pätz C., Console-Meyer L., Felmy F.: Structural arrangement of auditory brainstem nuclei in the bats Phyllostomus discolor and Carollia perspicillata. Journal of Comp Neurology, 2022, Vol. 530, 2762-2781; IF: 3.028

 

Siveke I, Myoga MH, Grothe B, Felmy F.: Ambient noise exposure induces long-term adaptations in adult brainstem neurons. Scientific Reports 2021 Mar 4; 11:5139.

 

Franzen D.L., Gleiss S.A., Kellner C.J, Kladisios N., Felmy F.: Activity-dependent calcium signaling in neurons of the medial superior olive during late postnatal development. Journal of Neuroscience, 2020, Vol. 40(8):1689-1700