Research projects
Major research projects
Flatworm systematics & biogeography
The research project on flatworms (mainly planarians or triclads) aims (1) to make an inventory of their global diversity, (2) to study and describe new species, (3) to analyze phylogenetic relationships within the triclads, (4) to analyze the (historical) biogeography of various taxa, and (5) to explore the potential use of flatworms as indicators in biodiversity and nature conservation studies.
Flatworms are a successful phylum since during evolution species have radiated to occupy various kinds of habitats such as freshwater, land, and the sea. Research on the phylogeny and biogeographyof this group of animals may therefore contribute greatly to our insight in the evolution of the Lower Metazoa in general. In regard to biodiversity and nature conservation studies it is apparent that the great majorityofstudies is restricted to vertebrates, whereas, contrastingly, invertebrates make up most of the world's biodiversity. Biodiversity studies on invertebrates, such as flatworms, may determine to which extent there is overlap between results obtained for the usual umbrella taxa, such as birds and mammals, and the less well studied invertebrates.
Techniques involved concern: sampling and preservation of specimens, production of histological preparations, reconstruction of the anatomy and morphology of the animals (microscopical analysis), molecular analyses of DNA and RNA, usage of computer software for phylogenetic, biogeographic, and biodiversity analyses
Biodiversity, Biogeography and Macroecology of Palearctic birds
The project aims at producing analytical studies of the distribution, systematics and historical biogeography of Palaearctic birds in relation to its taxonomic diversity and ecologically relevant characteristics. The Palaearctic region comprises Europe, North Africa and the Middle and Far East up to Kamchatka. The study will document hotspots of Palaearctic bird diversity and determine priority areas for conservation. Analyses of inter- and intraspecific phylogenetic relationships (phylogeny, phylogeography) allow the inference of temporally and spatially explicit evolutionary scenarios.
In all sorts of national and international reports, the great importance of taxonomic data and expertise for nature conservation is acknowledged. Generally, one considers only the identification of species by taxonomists. However, systematic biologists can contribute much moreto this field and, for example, ask and answer questions such as: what is biodiversity, what is the best measure of biodiversity, what is the relation between various species concepts andthe assessment of biodiversity? Thebiogeographic information system used in these studies concerns the program WORLDMAP.
Basic and important aspect of subprojects are: (1) The analysis of distribution, hotspots of endemism, hybridization and speciation patterns (2) The study of macro-ecological variables.
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Theory and Methods of Systematics and Biogeography
The project aims to research the theoretical basis of systematic biology and thus to provide guidelines for practical studies on selected groups of animals.
Theoretical problems that surface during practical studies on groups of animals and/or topical issues that feature in the literature form the basis for reviews and further analyses of these problems.