Synecology
We are interested in the functional structure of relationships within a community, focusing particularly on the context of primate-plant interactions and host-parasite relationships. |
Primate-plant interactions
Distribution over all tropical regions of the world, except Australia and Oceania, distinguishes primates from other tropical mammals. Within their tropical habitats, primates interact with a variety of organisms and carry out a multitude of environmental functions. One functional role of primates is their role as seed dispersers of those plant species they use for fruit consumption. |
Current Projects
Patterns, mechanisms, determinants and consequences of seed dispersal by tamarins and other Neotropical primates
Consequences of primate seed dispersal on the spatial-genetic structure of a Neotropical tree (Leonia cymosa)
Vertical stratification of interactions between frugivorous and nectarivorous consumers and the cauligenous liana, Marcgravia longifolia
Interspecific interactions and niche differentiationIn their complex tropical habitats primates interact with numerous other organisms. We are particularly interested in the formation of interspecific associations between primates and other animals and in mechanisms of niche differentiation between sympatric primate species.
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Host-parasite relationships
Free-living primates are permanently exposed to a wide range of parasites that extract their hosts’ energy and sometimes trigger or transmit diseases. |
Current Projects
Consequences of variation in group size on the health of Verreaux's Sifakas Social relationships: key to gut microbiome composition in wild red-fronted lemurs Hygienic behavior in gray mouse lemurs
Consequences of telomere length variation in Labord's chameleon |