Quaternary Evolution of the Bavarian Flora and Beyond:

Genetic and Ecological Adaptation to Changing Environments

Project Overview

Our aim is to characterize the evolutionary patterns and processes shaping the diversity of the Bavarian Flora in the Quaternary (Pleistocene, Holocene, and Anthropocene). We are using botanical collections, field, greenhouse, and common garden experiments, and cutting-edge genomic and computational tools to understand evolutionary trends shaping the diversity among Bavarian plants. Each species selected for study will provide an evolutionary vignette with which we can gain a clearer understanding of quaternary evolution in Bavaria (and beyond). This project gives special attention to endangered and threatened species of Bavaria and the environmental factors influencing their decline.