Professorship for Ecology, especially Animal Ecology
Organisational unit: Professoship
Organisation profile
The Animal Ecology group is led by Prof. Dr. Thorsten Aßmann and is affiliated with the Institute of Ecology, Faculty of Sustainability at Leuphana University Lüneburg.
Research focuses on the influence of invertebrates on ecosystem functions (species as ecosystem engineers, herbivory, predation), large-scale distribution patterns of species and species groups (biodiversity) and their characteristics, in the Palaearctic and worldwide (macroecology), Molecular ecology (population genetics, phylogeography, conservation genetics and landscape genetics), conservation biology (conservation genetics, consequences of habitat fragmentation, restoration ecology) Biospeleology (biogeography, adaptive mechanisms), taxonomy and systematics of insects (especially ground beetles).
We teach the basics of ecology and other fields of biology. Lectures and seminars are supplemented by identification exercises and field trips.
Main research areas
The working group Animal Ecology focuses on
- the role of invertebrates in ecosystem functioning
(including habitat engineering, herbivory, predation) - large-scale distribution patterns of biodiversity and species traits in the Palaearctic and worldwide
(macroecology) - molecular ecology (population genetics, phylogeography, conservation genetics and landscape genetics)
- conservation biology (conservation genetics, fragmentation biology, restoration ecology)
- biospeleology (biogeography, adaptation)
- taxonomy and systematics of insects (especially carabids beetles)
(classical and modern approaches: morphology, morphometry, DNA technics)
Projects are performed mainly in Germany, the Middle East (especially Israel), Spain, and China.
- 2011
- Published
When to sample in an inaccessible landscape: A case study with carabids from the Allgäu (northern Alps) (Coleoptera, Carabidae)
Harry, I., Drees, C., Hofer, H. & Aßmann, T., 20.05.2011, In: ZooKeys. 100, SPEC. ISSUE, p. 255-271 17 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Genetic erosion in a stenotopic heathland ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae): a matter of habitat size ?
Drees, C., Vries, H., Härdtle, W., Matern, A., Persigehl, M. & Aßmann, T., 01.02.2011, In: Conservation Genetics. 12, 1, p. 105-117 13 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Repeated sampling detects gene flow in a flightless ground beetle in a fragmented landscape
Drees, C., Hüfner, S., Matern, A., Nève, G. & Aßmann, T., 01.02.2011, In: Hereditas. 148, 1, p. 36-45 10 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Community assembly during secondary forest succession in a Chinese subtropical forest
Bruelheide, H., Böhnke, M., Both, S., Fang, T., Aßmann, T., Baruffol, M., Bauhus, J., Buscot, F., Chen, X.-Y., Ding, B.-Y., Durka, W., Erfmeier, A., Fischer, M., Geißler, C., Guo, D., Guo, L.-D., Härdtle, W., He, J.-S., Hector, A., Kröber, W., Kühn, P., Lang, A. C., Nadrowski, K., Pei, K., Scherer-Lorenzen, M., Shi, X., Scholten, T., Schuldt, A., Trogisch, S., Oheimb, G., Welk, E., Wirth, C., Wu, Y.-T., Yang, X., Zeng, X., Zhang, S., Zhou, H., Ma, K. & Schmid, B., 02.2011, In: Ecological Monographs. 81, 1, p. 25-41 17 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Habitat preferences of the Levant Green Lizard, Lacerta media israelica (Peters, 1964): (Reptilia: Lacertidae)
Loos, J., Dayan, T., Drescher, N., Levanony, T., Maza, E., Shacham, B., Talbi, R. & Aßmann, T., 01.01.2011, In: Zoology in the Middle East. 52, 1, p. 17-28 12 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Global warming will affect the genetic diversity and uniqueness of Lycaena helle populations
Habel, J. C., Rödder, D., Schmitt, T. & Nève, G., 01.2011, In: Global Change Biology. 17, 1, p. 194-205 12 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Patterns and hotspots of carabid beetle diversity in the Palaearctic – insights from a hyperdiverse invertebrate taxon
Schuldt, A. & Aßmann, T., 2011, Biodiversity Hotspots: distribution and protection of conservation priority areas. Zachos, F. E. & Habel, J. C. (eds.). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer, p. 175-188 14 p.Research output: Contributions to collected editions/works › Contributions to collected editions/anthologies › Research › peer-review
- 2010
- Published
Invertebrate diversity and national responsibility for species conservation across Europe: A multi-taxon approach
Schuldt, A. & Aßmann, T., 11.2010, In: Biological Conservation. 143, 11, p. 2747-2756 10 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Tree morphology responds to neighbourhood competition and slope in species-rich forests of subtropical China
Lang, A. C., Haerdtle, W., Bruelheide, H., Geissler, C., Nadrowski, K., Schuldt, A., Yu, M. & von Oheimb, G., 15.10.2010, In: Forest Ecology and Management. 260, 10, p. 1708-1715 8 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Biogeography meets conservation: the genetic structure of the endangered lycaenid butterfly Lycaena helle (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
Habel, J. C., Schmitt, T., Meyer, M., Finger, A., Roedder, D., Aßmann, T. & Zachos, F. E., 09.2010, In: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 101, 1, p. 155-168 14 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Tree diversity promotes insect herbivory in subtropical forests of south-east China
Schuldt, A., Baruffol, M., Boehnke, M., Bruelheide, H., Härdtle, W., Lang, A. C., Nadrowski, K., von Oheimb, G., Voigt, W., Zhou, H. & Aßmann, T., 07.2010, In: Journal of Ecology. 98, 4, p. 917-926 10 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Strong genetic cohesiveness between Italy and North Africa in four butterfly species
Habel, J. C., Rödder, D., Stefano, S., Meyer, M. & Schmitt, T., 04.2010, In: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 99, 4, p. 818-830 13 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Saproxylic beetle assemblages in the Mediterranean region: Impact of forest management on richness and structure
Buse, J., Levanony, T., Timm, A., Dayan, T. & Aßmann, T., 31.03.2010, In: Forest Ecology and Management. 259, 8, p. 1376-1384 9 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Facilitative effects of introduced Pacific oysters on native macroalgae are limited by a secondary invader, the seaweed Sargassum muticum
Lang, A. C. & Buschbaum, C., 02.2010, In: Journal of Sea Research. 63, 2, p. 119-128 10 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Value of semi-open corridors for simultaneously connecting open and wooded habitats: A case study with ground beetles
Eggers, B., Matern, A., Drees, C., Eggers, J., Haerdtle, W. & Aßmann, T., 02.2010, In: Conservation Biology. 24, 1, p. 256-266 11 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Molecular analysis meets morphology-based systematics-a synthetic approach for Chalarinae (Insecta: Diptera: Pipunculidae)
Kehlmaier, C. & Aßmann, T., 01.2010, In: Systematic Entomology. 35, 1, p. 181-195 15 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Linking genetics and ecology: reconstructing the history of relict populations of an endangered semi-aquatic beetle
Matern, A., Drees, C., Vogler, A. P. & Aßmann, T., 2010, Relict species: Phylogeography and conservation biology. Habel, J. C. & Aßmann, T. (eds.). Berlin ; Heidelberg: Springer, p. 253-265 13 p.Research output: Contributions to collected editions/works › Chapter › peer-review
- Published
Multiple Glacial Refuges of Unwinged Ground Beetles in Europe: Molecular Data Support Classical Phylogeographic Models
Drees, C., Matern, A., Oheimb, G., Reimann, T. & Aßmann, T., 2010, Relict species: Phylogeography and conservation biology. Habel, J. C. & Aßmann, T. (eds.). Berlin ; Heidelberg: Springer, p. 199-215 17 p.Research output: Contributions to collected editions/works › Chapter › peer-review
- Published
Population genetics and ecological niche modelling reveal high fragmentation and potential future extinction of the endangered relict butterfly Lycaena helle
Habel, J. C., Augenstein, B., Meyer, M., Nève, G., Rödder, D. & Aßmann, T., 2010, Relict species: Phylogeography and Conservation Biology. Habel, J. C. & Assmann, T. (eds.). Heidelberg [u.a.]: Springer, p. 417-439 23 p.Research output: Contributions to collected editions/works › Chapter › peer-review
- Published
Relict species: Phylogeography and conservation biology
Habel, J. C. & Aßmann, T. (Editor), 2010, Heidelberg [u.a.]: Springer. 449 p.Research output: Books and anthologies › Book
- Published
Relict species: From past to future
Habel, J. C., Assmann, T., Schmitt, T. & Avise, J. C., 2010, Relict Species: Phylogeography and Conservation Biology. Habel, J. C. & Assmann, T. (eds.). Springer, p. 1-5 5 p.Research output: Contributions to collected editions/works › Other › Research
- Published
Relict species research: Some concluding remarks
Habel, J. C., Schmitt, T. & Aßmann, T., 2010, Relict species: Phylogeography and Conservation Biology. Habel, J. C. & Assmann, T. (eds.). Heidelberg [u.a.]: Springer, p. 441-442 2 p.Research output: Contributions to collected editions/works › Chapter › peer-review
- Published
Review: Refugial areas and postglacial colonisations in the Western Palaearctic
Habel, J. C., Drees, C., Aßmann, T. & Schmitt, T., 2010, Relict species: Phylogeography and Conservation Biology. Assmann, T. & Habel, J. C. (eds.). Heidelberg [u.a.]: Springer, p. 189-197 9 p.Research output: Contributions to collected editions/works › Chapter › peer-review
- Published
Review: The dark side of relict species biology: Cave animals as ancient lineages
Aßmann, T., Casale, A., Drees, C., Habel, J. C., Schuldt, A. & Matern, A., 2010, Relict species: Phylogeography and conservation biology. Habel, J. C. & Assmann, T. (eds.). Heidelberg [u.a.]: Springer, p. 91-103 13 p.Research output: Contributions to collected editions/works › Chapter › peer-review
- 2009
- Published
Integrating highly diverse invertebrates into broad-scale analyses of cross-taxon congruence across the Palaearctic
Schuldt, A., Wang, Z., Zhou, H. & Aßmann, T., 01.12.2009, In: Ecography. 32, 6, p. 1019-1030 12 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Ya'ar Bar'am - An old Quercus calliprinos forest of high nature conservation value in the Mediterranean region of Israel
Westphal, C., von Oheimb, G., Meyer-Grünefeldt, M., Tremer, N., Haerdtle, W., Levanony, T., Dayan, T. & Aßmann, T., 01.12.2009, In: Israel Journal of Plant Sciences. 57, 1-2, p. 13-23 11 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Unprecedented long-term genetic monomorphism in an endangered relict butterfly species
Habel, J. C., Zachos, F. E., Finger, A., Meyer, M., Louy, D., Aßmann, T. & Schmitt, T., 12.2009, In: Conservation Genetics. 10, 6, p. 1659-1665 7 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Is Calluna vulgaris a suitable bio-monitor of management-mediated nutrient pools in heathland ecosystems?
von Oheimb, G., Haerdtle, W., Falk, K., Gerke, A.-K., Meyer, H., Drees, C. & Matern, A., 11.2009, In: Ecological Indicators. 9, 6, p. 1049-1055 7 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Environmental and historical effects on richness and endemism patterns of carabid beetles in the western Palaearctic
Schuldt, A. & Aßmann, T., 10.2009, In: Ecography. 32, 5, p. 705-714 10 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Trace metal dynamics in floodplain soils of the river Elbe: A review
Schulz-Zunkel, C. & Krueger, F., 07.2009, In: Journal of Environmental Quality. 38, 4, p. 1349-1362 14 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Scientific review articles › Research
- Published
The genetic status of the violet copper Lycaena helle - a relict of the cold past in times of global warming
Finger, A., Schmitt, T., Zachos, F. E., Meyer, M., Aßmann, T. & Habel, J. C., 01.06.2009, In: Ecography. 32, 3, p. 382-390 9 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Genetic diversity and population structure of the endangered insect species Carabus variolosus in its western distribution range: implications for conservation
Matern, A., Desender, K., Gaublomme, E., Drees, C., Paill, W. & Aßmann, T., 01.04.2009, In: Conservation Genetics. 10, 2, p. 391-405 15 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Shifts in N and P Budgets of Heathland Ecosystems: Effects of Management and Atmospheric Inputs
Haerdtle, W., von Oheimb, G., Gerke, A.-K., Niemeyer, M., Niemeyer, T., Aßmann, T., Drees, C., Matern, A. & Meyer, H., 02.2009, In: Ecosystems. 12, 2, p. 298-310 13 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
At the interface of historical and present-day ecology: ground beetles in woodlands and open habitats in Upper Galilee (Israel) (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Timm, A., Buse, J., Dayan, T., Härdtle, W., Levanony, T. & Aßmann, T., 01.01.2009, In: Zoology in the Middle East. 47, 1, p. 93-104 12 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Die Zinnoberrote Röhrenspinne Eresus cinnaberinus im Raum Lüneburger Heide – alte Funde und neue Nachweise
Aßmann, T. & Krause, R.-H., 2009, In: Jahrbuch des Naturwissenschaftlichen Vereins für das Fürstentum Lüneburg von 1851. 44, p. 71-76 6 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Transfer
- Published
From theory to experience: integrated forms of instruction within the framework of university training for biology teachers
Buck-Dobrick, T., 2009, In: Zeitschrift für Erlebnispädagogik. 28, 4/5Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research
- Published
Renaturierung und Management von Heiden
Härdtle, W., Aßmann, T., van Diggelen, R. & Oheimb, G., 2009, Renaturierung von Ökosystemen in Mitteleuropa. Zerbe, S., Wiegleb, G. & Fronczek, R. (eds.). Heidelberg: Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, p. 317-347 31 p.Research output: Contributions to collected editions/works › Contributions to collected editions/anthologies › Research
- Published
Saproxylic beetles: Their role and diversity in European woodland ecosystems. Proceedings of the 5th Symposium and Workshop on the Conservation of Saproxylic Beetles
Buse, J., Alexander, K. N. A., Ranius, T. & Aßmann, T., 2009, Sofia/Moscow: Pensoft Publishers Ltd. 236 p. (Pensoft Series Faunistica; vol. 89)Research output: Books and anthologies › Monographs › Research
- Published
Saproxylic beetles in the Gartow region of Lower Saxony, a hotspot of invertebrate diversity in north-western Germany
Buse, J., Gürlich, S. & Aßmann, T., 2009, Saproxylic Beetles : Their role and diversity in European woodland and tree habitats; Proceedings of the 5th Symposium and Workshop on the Conservation of Saproxylic Beetles. Buse, J., Alexander, K. N. A., Ranius, T. & Assmann, T. (eds.). Pensoft Publishers Ltd., p. 77-103 27 p.Research output: Contributions to collected editions/works › Article in conference proceedings › Research › peer-review
- Published
Von der Theorie zur Erfahrung: Integrative Unterrichtsformen im Rahmen der universitären Ausbildung für das Lehramt im Fach Biologie
Buck-Dobrick, T., 2009, In: Zeitschrift für Erlebnispädagogik. 28, 4/5Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research
- 2008
- Published
Population ecology of the rare carabid beetle Carabus variolosus (Coleoptera : Carabidae) in North-west Germany
Matern, A., Drees, C., Aßmann, T. & Meyer, H., 01.12.2008, In: Journal of Insect Conservation. 12, 6, p. 591-601 11 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
The European species of Chalarus Walker, 1834 revisited (Diptera: Pipunculidae)
Kehlmaier, C. & Aßmann, T., 19.11.2008, In: Zootaxa. 1936, 1, p. 1-39 39 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Macroecological patterns of spider species richness across Europe
Finch, O.-D., Blick, T. & Schuldt, A., 11.2008, In: Biodiversity and Conservation. 17, 12, p. 2849-2868 20 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Microsatellites and allozymes as the genetic memory of habitat fragmentation and defragmentation in populations of the ground beetle Carabus auronitens (Col., Carabidae)
Drees, C., Matern, A., Rasplus, J.-Y., Terlutter, H., Aßmann, T. & Weber, F., 01.10.2008, In: Journal of Biogeography. 35, 10, p. 1937-1949 13 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
A new species of Philorhizus Hope, 1838 from Greece (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Lebiini)
Wrase, D. W. & Aßmann, T., 16.09.2008, In: ZooKeys. 3, p. 1-10 10 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
The Carabus fauna of Israel - updated identification key, faunistics, and habitats (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Aßmann, T., Buse, J., Drees, C., Friedman, A.-L.-L., Levanony, T., Matern, A., Timm, A. & Wrase, D. W., 04.07.2008, In: ZooKeys. 1, p. 9-22 14 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
ZooKeys, unlocking Earth's incredible biodiversity and building a sustainable bridge into the public domain: From "print-based" to "web-based" taxonomy, systematics, and natural history ZooKeys Editorial Opening Paper
Penev, L. D., Erwin, T. L., Thompson, F. C., Sues, H.-D., Engel, M. S., Agosti, D., Pyle, R., Ivie, M., Henry, T., Miller, J., Ananjeva, N. B., Casale, A., Lourenco, W., Golovatch, S., Fagerholm, H.-P., Taiti, S., Alonso-Zarazaga, M., van Nieukerken, E. & Aßmann, T., 04.07.2008, In: ZooKeys. 1, p. 1-7 7 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Other (editorial matter etc.) › Research
- Published
Polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endangered butterfly Lycaena helle (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)
Habel, J. C., Finger, A., Meyer, M., Schmitt, T. & Aßmann, T., 15.05.2008, In: European Journal of Entomology. 105, 2, p. 361-362 2 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
Long-term effects of historical heathland farming on soil properties of forest ecosystems
von Oheimb, G., Haerdtle, W., Naumann, P. S., Westphal, C., Meyer, H. & Aßmann, T., 05.04.2008, In: Forest Ecology and Management. 255, 5-6, p. 1984-1993 10 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
- Published
An endangered longhorn beetle associated with old oaks and its possible role as an ecosystem engineer
Buse, J., Ranius, T. & Aßmann, T., 01.04.2008, In: Conservation Biology. 22, 2, p. 329-337 9 p.Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review