Lutz Becks, Ph.D.

University of Konstanz

 

Long-term experimental evolution studies to uncover the evolutionary pathways leading to symbiotic interactions

Lutz Becks, Ph.D.
 

Research Description

My research focuses on gaining a mechanistic understanding of species interactions in aquatic microbial systems, including the evolution and ecology of these interactions. We use different experimental systems and the tools of experimental evolution (such as long-term culturing studies) and combine these with mathematical modeling and genome analyses. These studies allow us to follow adaptive evolution within microbial populations in real time. The ability to manipulate experimental conditions makes these long-term studies a great method to test for the conditions that favor evolution of species interactions such as resistance against viruses or parasitism.

Research Impact

Experimental evolution studies have proven to be extremely useful for unraveling the conditions, mechanisms and ecological consequences of major evolutionary transitions. These approaches can change the way we think about the evolution of symbioses: from individuals autonomously surviving in their environment to mutualistic interactions.

 
 

related links

Science Symbiosis in Aquatic Systems University of Konstanz Back

Education

  • Diploma, Biology, University of Cologne, Germany
  • Ph.D., Zoology, University of Cologne, Germany
  • Postdoctoral study, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, USA
  • Postdoctoral study, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Canada
  • Postdoctoral study, Zoology, University of Cologne, Germany