Major Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

The major “Ecology and Evolutionary Biology” at the University of Freiburg investigates the tightly intertwined ecological and evolutionary processes that shape the biological diversity of our planet. Its overarching aim is to understand how biodiversity originates, changes, and can be conserved—from its genetic foundations through to morphology and behaviour, species diversity, communities, and ecosystem functions.

One central theme in this major is the evolution of behaviour, social systems, and life‑history strategies. This includes the study of cooperation and conflict among individuals and genes, communication and signalling, as well as the roles of sexual selection and mate choice. The programme also employs theoretical approaches, using mathematical and computer‑based models to analyse the fundamental dynamics of evolutionary processes such as natural and sexual selection.

A second strand of research concentrates on the evolution of biological traits. Comparative genomics, phylogenetics, and morphological methods are applied to investigate genetic alterations and functional adaptations, including those occurring in chemical communication systems. A third focus concerns how biodiversity influences the structure and functions of ecosystems, and how these relationships are altered under global environmental change. This is explored through long‑term field experiments and large‑scale biodiversity studies. In addition to basic research, applied conservation‑oriented studies examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of species and habitats, as well as strategies for their promotion and preservation.

Core Elements of the major

• Broad spectrum of topics aligned with individual interests, ranging from social evolution, tropical and behavioural ecology, functional biodiversity research, and limnology (streams and lakes) to regional landscape ecology and applied conservation
• Wide methodological repertoire, including field studies on regional, European, or global experimental sites, behavioural observations, chemical and genetic analyses (including next‑generation sequencing), computer simulations
• Collaborations with the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources (expanded course offerings) as well as with conservation, forestry and environmental planning organisations

Content and structure of the Major Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Staff contributing to this Major

Jonathan Henshaw

Theoretical Biology

Judith Korb

Evolution and Ecology

Patrick Kuss

Geobotany
(Interim professorship)

Volker Nehring

Evolutionary Biology and Animal Ecology

Oliver Niehuis

Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Biodiversity

Michael Scherer-Lorenzen

Geobotany