Master Thesis: Impacts of Climate Warming on the Energy Budget of Beetles

Potsdam

University of Potsdam (Universität Potsdam)

Master Thesis at the University of Potsdam:

Impacts of Climate Warming on the Energy Budget of Beetles

Background

Climate warming affects movement ecology animals with farreaching impacts on species interactions and mobile link dynamics. Movements are related to energetic costs. Owing to new and more variable environmental conditions caused by climate change, existing mechanisms to balance increased physiological demands may not be sufficient, and the decision of how, where, and when to move will become more complex. However, basic knowledge of energetic costs related to warming is missing for many taxa.

Research questions

How does temperature affect the energy budget of beetles?
How do temperature responses differ between individuals and body size?

Methods

You will use our newly established respiration chamber to measure CO2 consumption of beetle individuals differing in bodysize. Ambient temperature will be manipulated in a climate chamber.

Contact

Dr. Kolja Bergholz | bergholz@uni-potsdam.de
PD Dr. Niels Blaum | blaum@uni-potsdam.de