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| We
are focusing on three integrated research areas, namely
the biology (aut-ecology) of marine invertebrates, the
ecology of coastal habitats and the biodiversity of coastal
ecosystems. We are using an approach looking from small
aspects to increasingly larger scales. Understanding the
aut-ecology of selected species helps us to understand
ecological relationships in their habitats. Revealing
important ecological process in particular habitats allows
us to unravel important processes influencing local diversity
in marine ecosystems. Main funding for these projects
is received through FONDECYT, SHOA and other national
and international funding sources. |
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Presently
we are pursuing three autecological topics, the mating
behavior of a marine shrimp, mating systems of symbiotic
crustaceans and extended parental care behavior of crustaceans.
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| Mating
behavior of rock shrimp: Males
of rock shrimp pass through different morphological
stages during ontogeny, which has an important influence
on their mating system. There exists a strong dominance
hierarchy and the old, morphologically highly developed
males, have a higher potential to monopolize matings.
Our recent studies are revealing that female behavior
has a strong influence on the outcome of matings. |
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| Mating
systems of symbiotic crustaceans:
our studies on two symbiotic porcellanid crabs have
revealed the importance of host characteristics
on host-fidelity and -monopolization. We are currently
developing conceptual models describing the influence
of host-characteristics on the mating systems of
symbiotic crustaceans. |
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| Extended
parental care behavior of crustaceans:
we have studied the parental care behavior of a
wide diversity of crustaceans ranging from epibenthic
amphipods to burrow-living semi-terrestrial crayfish.
In combination with literature revisions these studies
have revealed that extended parental care behavior
is common in burrow-dwelling crustaceans and has
important effects on offspring survival. Present
studies suggest that there exists a high plasticity
in the duration of extended parental care. |
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Our
research focuses on predator-prey interactions and the
influence of habitat builders (mussels, macroalgae)
on associated fauna.
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| Predator-prey
interactions:
In experimental
studies we examine the predation potential of predators
and the prey behavior. In recent studies we have
examined prey behavior in response to the presence
of multiple predators. |
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| Fauna
of biotic habitats: Many marine
organisms (corals, mussel beds, ascidian clumps,
kelp forests) provide space for other organisms.
In comparative and experimental studies we examine
whether associated fauna itself contributes to the
high diversity of biotic habitats. |
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In
long-term projects we are studying the biogeography of littoral
peracarid species and the dispersal of brooding invertebrates
via floating objects (rafting).
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| Biogeography
of littoral peracarids: In
order to reveal interannual variations in geographic distribution
we are monitoring the peracarid fauna of intertidal macroalgae
at 20 different sites distributed over 25 degrees of latitude
along the Chilean coast. |
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| Rafting:
In several research projects we are studying the
distribution of floating objects along the coast of Chile.
In order to identify the organisms traveling on floating
items, we are taking samples that are then carefully analyzed
for associated organisms in the lab. Experimental studies
are conducted to examine the floating capacity of floating
items and the temporal succession of the rafting fauna. |
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