Welcome to the Ecology lab at the University of Konstanz

We do basic and applied research in plant ecology. Our research is guided by the basic questions of how phenotypic variation in functional traits is shaped by environmental and genetic variation, and how these traits and environmental factors determine the decline and spread of species. To answer these questions, we use a broad range of methods including data-base studies, meta-analysis of published studies, and experimental studies in the greenhouse, garden and field. We teach courses in general ecology and plant ecology.

Members of the  group are hard to catch for a photographer:
Here you see Christine, Elisabeth, Lidewij, Margherita, Wayne, Janosch and Mark

News

• In June, we are expecting a new PhD-Student: Mialy Razanajatovo from Madagascar.
• Dawson et al. (2012), "Common and rare plant species respond differently to fertilization and competition, whether they are alien or native" has been accepted by Ecology Letters!
• Dawson et al. (2012), entitled "Alien plant species with a wider global distribution are better able to capitalize on increased resource availability", is now online at New Phytologist.
• Haudry, A, Zha, HG, Stift, M & Mable, BK (2012) Disentangling the effects of breakdown in self-incompatibility and transition to selfing in North American Arabidopsis lyrata, is now online in Molecular Ecology.
• Dostal et al. (2011), a paper showing that Central European plant species from more productive habitats are more invasive at a global scale, has been accepted for publication in Global Ecology and Biogeography.
• Alexander et al. (2012) Different genetic clines in response to temperatur across the native and introduced ranges of a global plant invader is online early in Journal of Ecology.