Prof. Dr. Heinz-Ulrich Reyer
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Personal-Homepage Curriculum Vitae Publications MSc Projects |
University of Zurich  |
What determines the size, structure and dynamics of vertebrate populations? |
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| Within this principal question we investigate... | ||||||||||||||||||||
| • the mechanisms, which affect and stabilise the composition of hybridogenetic water frog (Rana esculenta). | ||||||||||||||||||||
| • the evolutionary potential of (hemi)clonal and unisexual vertebrates, and the importance of mate choice in sperm-dependent species. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| • the evolutionary basis of predator-induced plasticity in morphology and behaviour in amphibian larvae, and its consequences for population divergence at the landscape level. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| • the cascade of effects from population dynamics through mating systems to the genetic structure of amphibian and reptile populations. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| • the importance of population size for genetic variation and disease resistance in the endangered frog (Rana latastei). | ||||||||||||||||||||
| • the factors that determine the relative success of sexual and asexual reproduction in aphids. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| • the importance of very small populations for the maintenance of metapopulations, using reed buntings (Emberiza schoeniclus) as a model system. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| • the effect of anthropogenic food availability on breeding behaviour and reproductive success in the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma c. coerulescens), a threatened species. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| In addressing these topics, we combine comparative field studies, experiments and theoretical modelling as well as genetic analyses, behavioural observations and ecological monitoring. The goal of our multi-disciplinary and integrated studies is not only to understand the complex interactions between genetics, behaviour, demography and environmental conditions; some results are also relevant for conservation and management plans. | ||||||||||||||||||||
