Project description

Oceanic islands harbor a disproportional fraction of Earth’s biodiversity, but are also host to many species that are threatened with extinction. Advantages of isolation are reduced competition, predation and parasitism, availability of new ecological niches, and opportunity for unique traits (that might become very advantageous in the future) to become fixed due to genetic drift. That is, an isolated system is a cradle for new forms of life. The disadvantage is poor genetic diversity due to small population size which can lead to maladaptation and vulnerability to invading diseases and predators. That is, an isolated system is also a potential grave for life. The question therefore arises: what is the role of changing levels of isolation for the future of biodiversity on earth? This can be asked at the large scale of an oceanic island (e.g. to answer questions on conservation of endemism), but also at the small scale of insular systems such as the urinary tract (e.g. to answer questions on the prevention of pathogenic invasions). In this project we will develop models of ecological communities to study the effect of isolation. We will take the quantitative genetics approach laid out in Xu et al. (2021, 10.5061/dryad.905qfttj4) but extend this to include multiple (interacting) traits, spatial dimensions, other ecological interactions than competition, and mechanisms that can lead to speciation. We will study the trait distribution patterns across space and between traits and species, and the phylogenetic patterns. We will compare this to patterns in island systems small and large.

Additional specifications

We look for a candidate with a MSc in Biology, Life Sciences or a related discipline, or in Physics, or Mathematics with affinity and interest in biology. Experience with programming is highly recommended.