Das Projekt "Schwerpunktprogramm (SPP) 1158: Antarctic Research with Comparable Investigations in Arctic Sea Ice Areas; Bereich Infrastruktur - Antarktisforschung mit vergleichenden Untersuchungen in arktischen Eisgebieten, Mitochondrial plasticity in response to changing abiotic factors in Antarctic fish and cephalopods" wird/wurde gefördert durch: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Es wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Stiftung Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- und Meeresforschung e.V. in der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft (AWI).Temperature has a large impact on the velocity of biochemical and enzymatic processes and hence is a key factor defining the performance of ectothermic organisms. Since temperature windows of single molecules largely exceed the thermal limits of the whole animal, thermal limits are most probably set at the level of integration of molecular functions into whole organism functional units and networks. Mitochondria are a key element in shaping whole organism energy turnover and functional capacity. Recent insight into the special molecular characters of Antarctic fish mitochondria provides a unique opportunity to develop and test hypotheses explaining the role of these characters in setting thermal tolerance. Furthermore, the already tight thermal tolerance windows of extremely stenothermal Antarctic fish and invertebrates may be narrowed by the ongoing process of ocean acidification (OA). As a result, these organisms may become even more sensitive to warming. The role of mitochondria in contributing to such changes in sensitivity is unclear. In this project we will focus on the responses of Antarctic fish and cephalopods to the factors temperature and carbon dioxide at the mitochondrial level. Fishes of the sub-order Notothenioidei inhabit polar, sub-polar and in part cold temperate waters and therefore are good comparative model organisms for studies of thermal plasticity among closely related Antarctic fish species. This holds also true for the octopods (order: Cephalopoda), which are found from tropical to polar latitudes. In Antarctic waters, these highly developed animals share the same spatial and ecological niche as benthic notothenioids and thus directly compete for the same resources in the ecosystem. Elaboration of the contribution of mitochondria to the special features of stenotherm and climate sensitivity in Antarctic fishes and cephalopods appears as a highly relevant and timely contribution to the field of climate sensitivity of Antarctic ecosystems.
Das Projekt "Towards understanding the determinants of stream macroinvertebrate responses to environmental change mediated by glacial recession" wird/wurde gefördert durch: Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung. Es wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Eawag - Das Wasserforschungsinstitut des ETH-Bereichs.The world is currently experiencing a major biodiversity crisis due to human activities. A primary concern is the on-going and rapid biological consequences of global climate change. Climate change is impacting alpine landscapes at unprecedented rates, with severe impacts on landscape structure and catchment hydrodynamics, as well as temperature regimes of glacial-fed rivers. Most glaciers are expected to be dramatically reduced and many even gone by the year 2100, concomitantly with changes (timing and magnitude) in temperature and precipitation. These environmental changes are predicted to have strong impacts on the persistence and distribution of alpine organisms, their population structure and community assembly, and, ultimately, ecosystem functioning. However, how alpine biodiversity (aquatic macroinvertebrates in our case) will respond to these changes is poorly understood. Most previous studies predict the presence of species based on the distribution of putatively suitable habitats but ignore biotic traits, such as dispersal, and potential eco-evolutionary responses to such changes. Clearly, accurate predictions on species responses require integrative studies incorporating landscape dynamics with eco-evolutionary processes. The primary goal of the proposed research is to empirically test determinants of alpine macroinvertebrate responses to rapid environmental change mediated by glacial recession. Climate-induced glacial retreat is occurring rapidly and in a replicated fashion (i.e. over multiple catchments and continents), which provides a natural experiment for testing determinants of organismal and species diversity responses to climate change in alpine waters. The responses of alpine aquatic macroinvertebrates are highly important because of their known sensitivity (i.e. response rates) to environmental change and their fundamental role in ecosystem functioning. Using an integrative comparative and experimental approach, we will target the following main question: What are the roles of ecological and evolutionary processes in population level responses of macroinvertebrates to environmental change? The study will take advantage of rapid glacial recession (environmental change) to empirically examine spatio-temporal patterns in species distribution in nature, combined with experimental and population genetics approaches. The data generated will be used to explicitly address the role of eco-evolutionary processes (determinants) on population level responses for selected key species. Spatial and temporal variation in species distribution, phenotypic and genetic variation will be quantified for two stream macroinvertebrates (hemimetabolous mayfly Baetis alpinus, holometabolous caddisfly Allogamus uncatus), and measuring landscape features and physico-chemical parameters along longitudinal transects downstream of glaciers and selected side-slope tributaries (as potential stepping stones for dispersal and colonization).
Das Projekt "EpiCOL: Ecological and Evolutionary plant epigenetics (09-EuroEEFG-FP-048)" wird/wurde gefördert durch: Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung. Es wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Universität Bern, Departement Biologie, Institut für Pflanzenwissenschaften.One of the fundamental principles in biology is that evolution by natural selection, and therefore the ability of populations to adapt to changing environments, requires heritable variation, i.e. genetically-based variation in phenotypic traits that are under selection. Until recently, such heritable variation was generally thought to require underlying DNA sequence variation. Thus, populations that lack DNA sequence variation were assumed be unable to evolve. However, there is now increasing evidence that epigenetic modifications of the genome, such as DNA methylation or histone modifications - which regulate gene activity and therefore ultimately the phenotype - can be heritable, too, and that there can be epigenetic variation within and among natural populations which is independent of DNA sequence variation. Moreover, epigenetic variation can sometimes be altered direct by the environment, which suggests that such heritable epigenetic variation might be an important and hitherto overlooked component of biodiversity and an additional mechanism for organisms to respond to environmental change. Our project is part of a larger pan-European project (involving partners from the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and France) that attempts to address these exciting questions about the ecological and evolutionary relevance of epigenetic variation and epigenetic inheritance in several connected sub-projects. In our project, we will test the hypothesis that evolution by natural selection can occur even in the absence of DNA sequence variation, based on heritable epigenetic variation only. We will use selection experiments, and a recently developed, unique set of genotypically near-identical but epigenetically distinct recombinant inbred lines (epiRILs) of Arabidopsis thaliana to study epigenetic evolution 'in action'. The specific objectives of our project are (i) to characterise 100+ epiRILs with regard to their drought and pathogen resistance, (ii) to subject replicated experimental populations of these epiRILs to at least 3-4 generations of natural or artificial selection imposed by experimental drought and/or pathogens, and (iii) to quantify the response to this selection both in terms of phenotypic shifts as well as shifts in epigenotype frequencies.
Das Projekt "Forschergruppe (FOR) 456 degree of celsius: The role of Biodiversity for element cycling and trophic interactions: An experimental approach in a grassland community, Modelling biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relations in grasslands with special reference to mechanisms related to plasticity" wird/wurde gefördert durch: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Es wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Max-Planck-Institut für Biogeochemie.
Das Projekt "Schwerpunktprogramm (SPP) 1158: Antarctic Research with Comparable Investigations in Arctic Sea Ice Areas; Bereich Infrastruktur - Antarktisforschung mit vergleichenden Untersuchungen in arktischen Eisgebieten, Adaption and stress defence in intertidal and subtidal Antarctic limpets (Nacella concinna): A Study of the plasticity of molecular and biochemical stress response in Antarctic invertebrates" wird/wurde gefördert durch: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Es wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Stiftung Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- und Meeresforschung e.V. in der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft (AWI).The Antarctic limpet Nacella concinna is the most conspicuous macro-benthic species in the intertidal and splash zone of the maritime Antarctic. Larval recruitment in this non-homing limpet takes place in the subtidal, and part of the population then migrates to the intertidal in the beginning of spring. The migratory limpets belong to an ecomorph with a higher and heavier shell (left picture, limpets at the intertidal zone), whereas shells of permanently subtidal limpets are lighter and flatter (right picture, taken at the subtidal). The two ecomorphs can be found in every location along the peninsulas of the South Shetlands. We are interested in the functional biodiversity of the two Nacella ecomorphs at Jubany station/Dallmann laboratory on King George Island, and investigate the behavioural and ecophysiological differences in-situ, and following exposure to air/emersion and to hypoxia. A special interest is on the expression and function of hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) in the limpet model. This transcription factor is a universal master regulator of hypoxic metabolism and centrally involved in the metabolic regulation of cells and tissues under oxygen shortage. In the frames of the project we have obtained a first molluscan HIF-1-alpha sequence which, if compared to C. elegans and crustacean genes indicates rather high sequence variability to exist between invertebrates, in contrast to low variability among vertebrate genes.
Das Projekt "Guiding early silvicultural interventions through predicting canopy and crown dynamics in plantations of sub-tropical eucalypts" wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Universität Freiburg, Waldbau-Institut.This project aims to establish the scientific basis for silvicultural treatments of eucalypt plantations for clear wood production. While eucalypt plantations in north-eastern NSW have dramatically increased in recent times, the knowledge base for the production of clear, branch-free wood from the tree species used does not exist. A physiological, mechanistic understanding of crown and canopy dynamics as well as branch shedding will form the scientific foundation for stand manipulations such as pruning and thinning to enhance wood quality. Project outcomes will provide the basis for a stand management simulation model for the most important eucalypt species. Specifically the project is testing the following three management related hypotheses: 1. The plasticity of green crowns (length, shape, number and size of branches) in response to stand density and spatial arrangement is greater in the more shade-tolerant eucalypts than in the intolerant eucalypts. 2. The effect of green crown pruning on biomass production in eucalypts can be related to the amount of foliage removed, the nutrient status of the pruned foliage, the water status of pruned trees and the shade tolerance of the species. 3. Leaf area index and thus green crown length is more closely related to site quality, water and nutrient availability, in the more shade-tolerant eucalypts than in shade intolerant species.
Das Projekt "Adaptation and adaptability of beech provenances (Fagus sylvatica) on climate" wird/wurde gefördert durch: Bundesministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz. Es wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Universität Hamburg, Arbeitsbereich für Weltforstwirtschaft und Institut für Weltforstwirtschaft des Friedrich-Löffler-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit.Objectives: The climatic conditions in the distribution range of most tree species are very different, so that regionally and locally occurring populations adapted (so acalled provenances). From the local adaptation of populations cannot be concluded however on their adaptability, i.e. its physiological plasticity at other locations. For this, provenance growth experiments under different climate conditions with plants of different provenances can give reference. The Institute for Forest Genetics and Forest Plant Breeding of the Federal Research Centre for Forestry and Forest Products (BFH) coordinates such an European-wide beech provenance growth experiment since approx. 15 years. On this research area several institutes of the BFH, coordinated by the Institute for World Forestry, investigate since the year 2005 the growth reactions of six provenances, which come from climatically very different European sites. Research fields are phenological studies, growth parameter like wood characteristics and increase as well as chemical and ecophysiological parameters. The results of the field tests are to be examined then in the second pilot study under controlled conditions in the greenhouse. Results: Phenological monitoring of leaf development of the different beech provenances in spring and autumn; Investigation of growth reactions of the different provenances on climate conditions - wood formation dynamics - increment of aboveground biomass - leaf parameter (dry weight, leaf area, specific leaf area); Comparing measuring of leaf gas exchange parameter; Description of the nutrient state of the leaves.
Das Projekt "Integrierter Umweltschutz in der Keramikindustrie - Energieeinsparungen und Reduzierung organischer Emissionen durch neue Ansätze in der Entwicklung keramischer Massen^Teilvorhaben 2: Entwicklung einer Glas-Keramik-Schnellbrandmasse mit entspr. Glasur zum Einmalbrand von Geschirrkeramik, sowie techn. Keramik, Teilvorhaben 1: Silikatkeramischer Spritzguss unter Ausnutzung der natürlichen Plastizität toniger Rohstoffe" wird/wurde gefördert durch: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung. Es wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Forschungsinstitut für Glas - Keramik GmbH.Ziel des Vorhabens ist die Entwicklung eines grundlegend neuen Verfahrens zur Herstellung einer Spritzgießmasse auf der Basis tonmineralhaltiger Rohstoffe. Der aktuelle Stand der Spritzgießtechnologie (Silikatkeramik) ist durch einen hohen verfahrenstechnischen Aufwand und der Verwendung großer Mengen von polymeren Bindern (bis 50 Vol.-Prozent) gekennzeichnet. Die damit einhergehenden Energiekosten und Umweltschutzmaßnahmen sind neben den prozessbedingten Schwierigkeiten jene Gründe, weswegen die Technologie in der Silikatkeramik den Durchbruch noch nicht erzielt hat. In vorliegendem Vorhaben soll daher die natürliche Plastizität toniger Rohstoffe, lediglich unterstützt durch wenige Vol.-Prozent organischer Bindersysteme, für die Formgebung ausgenutzt werden. Für folgende Umweltaspekte soll das Vorhaben entscheidende Vorteile bringen: - die Calcinierung der Tonmischungen wäre nicht mehr erforderlich, die damit verbundenen Energiekosten würden vollständig entfallen - die Einbringung geringer Polymeranteile in die Tonmischung ist mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit energetisch günstiger als bei den bisher angewandten Verfahren mit dem Schwerwalzenkompaktor - der zusätzliche Verfahrensschritt zur Entbindung der Polymere entfällt wegen der geringen Anteile völlig; ein Brennprozess wie bei isostatisch gepressten Teilen wird ausreichen. Auf diese Weise werden nicht nur die Energiekosten reduziert, sondern vor allem auch die Emissionen auf ein Minimum reduziert.
Das Projekt "UV-härtende Beschichtungen^Umweltfreundliche Photopolymerisationsschichten mit verbesserter Einsatzcharakteristik - Teilvorhaben 4, Umweltfreundliche Photopolymerisationsschichten mit verbesserter Einsatzcharakteristik - Teilvorhaben 3" wird/wurde gefördert durch: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung. Es wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Robert Bosch GmbH.
Das Projekt "Genetische Diversität, phänotypische Plastizität und Fitness annueller Ackerwildkrautpopulationen von Standorten unterschiedlicher Nutzungsgeschichte" wird/wurde gefördert durch: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Es wird/wurde ausgeführt durch: Universität Gießen, Institut für Landschaftsökologie und Ressourcenmanagement, Professur für Landschaftsökologie und Landschaftsplanung.Die Auswirkungen unterschiedlicher ackerbaulicher Nutzungsgeschichte auf die genetische Struktur von Populationen ausgewählter annueller Ackerwildkräuter (Arabidopsis thaliana, Gnaphalium uliginosum, Viola arvensis) werden untersucht. Parallel dazu werden ihre phänotypische Plastizität und ökologische Fitness ermittelt. Im Vordergrund steht dabei die Hypothese, dass sich die genetische Architektur der untersuchten Populationen und - damit einhergehend - ihre phänotypische Plastizität und Fitness aufgrund moderner Produktionsmethoden im Laufe der letzten Jahrzehnte verändert haben. Dabei soll der Einfluß der Herbizidanwendung besonders berücksichtigt werden. Mit Hilfe von Stichproben aus der Diasporenbank unterschiedlich alter, zuvor als Acker genutzter Wiesen sowie noch heute bewirtschafteter Flächen einer Extensiv- und einer Intensivagrarlandschaft werden die Auswirkungen unterschiedlicher Nutzungsgeschichte auf die Populationsstruktur erfaßt. Beziehungen zwischen genetischer Diversität, phänotypischer Plastizität und Fitness werden durch die gekoppelte Erhebung der genetischen und phänotypischen Daten hergestellt. Die Untersuchungen zur genetischen Diversität erfolgen mit AFLP-Markern, die Analyse der intraspezifischen Populationsstruktur an Arabidopsis mit Hilfe von Mikrosatelliten. Phänotypische Plastizität und Fitness der Populationen werden aus populationsbiologischen Erhebungen abgeleitet.
