TrenDiv

Trends in hidden taxa from inaccessible habitats

This project aims to analyse trends in various facets of biodiversity in a broad spectrum of little-studied taxa in Germany: Soil meso- and microfauna (Collembola, Oribatida, Nematoda), flying insects (Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera), sediment-bound marine and freshwater taxa (Copepoda, Amphipoda,Isopoda) and additionally endozoic microorganisms (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) comprising the microbiome of these animals.

Historical collections and data sets of invertebrate communities form an important basis, which were taken from German soils and sediments between 1980 and 1999. By re-sampling the sites, we will be able to quantify trends in the following facets of biodiversity: Species richness, biomass, community composition and functional traits.

Different ecosystem types will be included to account for a variety of environmental conditions and to draw conclusions on how hidden biodiversity has changed in Germany's diverse landscape.

More information in the news:
"Research project analyses biodiversity change since 1960 - and the consequences for groundwater"