News from the University of Potsdam
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“We Recognize Animals as Individuals” – Researchers of the University of Potsdam investigate the personalities of wild animals
Jana Anja Eccard knows her mice well. For 27 years, she has been researching the behavior of small rodents in numerous experiments, both in the... more
In the end, it’s the individual advantage that counts – Bacteria rely on cooperation and evolution in order to defend themselves against predatory protists
Eating and being eaten is a normal process in nature. These predator–prey dynamics help to stabilise ecosystems. It ensures that individual species do... more
With Kudu, Eland, and Springbok – How Wildlife Management Can Help the Savanna
The savanna: individual groups of trees stand picturesquely on wide plains, large herds of wild animals pass by, watched vigilantly by prides of lions... more
To the left or to the right? – Geneticist Prof. Michael Lenhard investigates how plants can tell left from right
In the course of evolution, plants have developed various strategies to prevent self-pollination. The marsh butterfly lily, which originates from... more
Understanding Tipping Points in Savannas – Ecologist Prof. Anja Linstädter Researches How Humans Affect the Development of African Savannas and Grassland
Since September 2020, Anja Linstädter has been Professor for Biodiversity Research and Systematic Botany at the University of Potsdam and Director of... more
When it gets warmer – Species extinction in the Arctic - 9,000 years ago and today
The tundra is turning green. As climate change proceeds, bushes and shrubs are advancing into the barren Arctic regions. It is the same everywhere,... more
Cell Physics in the Land of the Rising Sun – Japanese Research Professorship for Carsten Beta
End of September, Prof. Carsten Beta, biophysicist at the Institute of Physics and Astronomy, will leave for a research stay of several weeks at the... more
AlterEco – Tracing the Ecological Footprint of the Neanderthal
Humans live large. The rainforest, which is so important for the world, is dwindling, as are the polar caps and the permafrost. The goal, agreed upon... more
Stowaways – What can microorganisms on the skin of whales or penguins reveal about environmental changes?
Humpback whales are among the most impressive animals on earth, with an average length of 13 meters and weighing up to 30 tons. Evolutionary biologist... more