Zoology
Our research is at the interface between morphology, developmental biology, evolutionary biology, paleontology and ecology.
Zoological research, as conducted in our working groups, primarily yields new morphological and genetic data from the animal kingdom (bony fish, birds, arthropods, mollusks, etc.) using modern methods of genome sequencing, bioinformatics, zoogeography, 3D imaging, and geometric morphometry.
This sheds light on various aspects of biological diversity and its distribution, investigates mechanisms of speciation and radiation, reconstructs parts of the animal phylogenetic tree in greater detail, and discusses structures with regard to their development, function, and evolutionary adaptation.
It lays the foundation for a deeper understanding of individual zoological aspects and overarching mechanisms, and draws attention to the external and internal beauty of our fellow creatures worthy of protection.
Exkursions and practical field courses
Marine biology field trip with seminar to the Wadden sea (Sylt)
Ten-day field trip about the biology and ecology of the wadden sea. Placed on the northernmost german island - Sylt. Students have the opportunity to become acquainted with the creatures and biotopes of the coast of the northern sea. Both outdoors and in the laboratory.
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Marine biology field trip to the "North-East" Atlantic
Every year the marine fauna and flora of the atlantic sea near Roscoff in the bretagne is our destination
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Marine biology field trip with seminar to the Mediterranean sea (Piran)
Every year the field trip focusing on the biology nd ecology of the Mediterranean Sea takes place at the Marine Biology Station Piran (Slovenia).
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High alpine excursion
Every year in midsummer a small group hikes through the Hohen Tauern to learn about alpine organisms and habitats.
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Canary Islands
In this zoological field trip and seminar, students learn about the fauna of a semi-isolated island system, with a focus on vertebrates.
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Excursion to a Natural History Museum
During winter, an excursion to a natural history museum will take place, incl. photography in the collections.
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