TrenDiv

Trends in hidden taxa from inaccessible habitats

In this project, trends in various facets of biodiversity in a broad spectrum of little-studied taxa in Germany are evaluated: 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 collected from German soils and sediments between 1980 and 1999 form an important basis. 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 a variety of environmental conditions and to draw conclusions about how hidden biodiversity has changed in the diverse landscape of Germany.