Thermal Ecology Group

The Thermal Ecology Group studies thermal adaptation in its broadest sense by applying interdisciplinary research to understand complex strategies of cold-blooded (ectothermic) organisms to changing environmental temperatures. We focus on both biotic and abiotic factors shaping behavioural, physiological and genetic mechanisms of thermal adaptation and their ecological and evolutionary consequences using both experimental and modelling approaches. Our study systems are mainly based on amphibians and the differing taxa of insects, fish or squamate reptiles that interact with them. Our results have important implications, not only for basic research but also for predicting the impact of climate change on the population dynamics of these globally threatened vertebrates.