Aquatic biology: ecology and evolutionary biology of aquatic micro-organisms

Aquatic biology: ecology and evolutionary biology of aquatic micro-organisms

The research group of Aquatic Biology focuses on the ecology and evolutionary biology of aquatic micro-organisms.

Koenraad Muylaert focuses on fundamental and applied research of micro-algae. Fundamental research is focused on the diversity and community structure of micro-algae in natural systems, with a special focus on the phenomenon of algal blooms. Applied research is focused on evolving methods to reduce problematic algae (ultrasone, water plants) and possible applications of algal culture (oil, biodiesel, water clearance, aquaculture).

Contact: Prof. Dr. Koenraad Muylaert

Ellen Decaestecker investigates the evolutionary ecology of host-parasite interactions. Host-parasite interactions are characterized by an intense and reciprocal ‘arms race’ in which both partners attack and defend themselves with new techniques that drive their mutual co-evolution. This co-evolution is an important structuring force in ecosystems. We study these co-evolutionary dynamics by using the water flea Daphnia and its parasites as a model system.  Daphnia and its parasites provide a unique possibility to study long term coevolutionary dynamics, as both produce dormant stages in layered lake sediments and that can be ‘revived’ after many years. This reflects an archive of past evolutionary dynamics such that historical reconstructions in natural systems are feasible. Further, we investigate how (a)biotic environmental factors influence the defence against parasites. Here, we focus on defences against different biotic antagonists (predators and parasites) and environmental human induced changes (e.g., eutrophication, increased mobility, pollution and climate change).   

Figure: The waterflea Daphnia sp. and her parasites. Left panel: Daphnia magna with a bacterial infection in the fat cells (see strong white reflection); Right panel: spores of the bacterial endoparasite Pasteuria ramosa infecting Daphnia hemolymph.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Ellen Decaestecker 

More information :  http://www.kuleuven-kortrijk.be/biology