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Dr. Dennis Baulechner

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Dr. Dennis Baulechner

Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics
Justus Liebig University
Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32 IFZ
D-35392 Giessen
Germany

Room: B404

Tel: +49(0)641/ 99-35702

Dennis.Baulechner

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Teaching & Research Focus

I study the evolution of functional traits and how they influence the diversity and coexistence of species in a community. The ecological aspect of my research focuses on how communities respond to different disturbances (e.g., land use). To this end, I analyze the response of functional and phylogenetic diversity in communities to environmental change. The evolutionary biology perspective of my work examines the relationship between form and function (e.g., mandible shape and feeding mode) in a phylogenetic context. My research has a strong focus on arthropods, specifically ground beetles, but also other invertebrates. I also work with reptiles, amphibians, and bats.

  • Agroecology

  • Community ecology

  • Evolutionary ecology (evolution of functional traits)

  • Functional ecology

  • Entomology, herpetology, chiropterology

Scientific Career

  • Since 2023. Senior Researcher Fellow, Institute of Animal Ecology and Systematics, University of Gießen. (KoMBi): Kollektive Modelle zur Förderung der Biodiversität 
  • Since 2021. Research Associate, Institute of Animal Ecology and Systematics, University of Gießen. BeeContour—strip cropping systems to support bees and other pollinator insects in agricultural landscapes. 
  • Since 2018. Research Associate, Institute of Animal Ecology and Systematics, University of Gießen. RESOILIENCE—Resilience of invertebrate communities in grassland soils. Germany
  • 2017-2022. Doctorate (summa cum laude), Institute of Animal Ecology and Systematics, University of Gießen, Germany (Prof. Wolters). Thesis title: Convergent evolution of functional traits and implications for the structure and assembly of communities. 
  • Since 2013. Research Associate, Institute of Animal Ecology and Systematics, JLU Gießen, Germany
  • Since 2011. Freelance Biologist (faunistic surveys, biodiversity analyses, environmental assessments).
  • 2013-2018. Biologist, Planning Office Gall. Faunistic surveys and data analysis. Animal groups: Bats, herpetofauna, and insects.
  • 2013-2017. Lecturer (part-time), Institute for Animal Ecology and Systematics, JLU Gießen, Germany
  • 2013. Lecturer for special tasks, Institute of Animal Ecology and Systematics, JLU Giessen, Germany
  • 2011-2012. Research Associate, Institute for Animal Ecology and Systematics, JLU Gießen. DFG project (EN 987/1-1): Coevolution of spinturnicid mites and their bat hosts; project coordination and proposal writing (Prof. Dr. Encarnação).
  • 2009-2011. Master Student, JLU Gießen. Major: Ecology and Conservation Minor: Phylogenetics, Bioinformatics, Evolutionary Biology, Plant Ecology (Global Adaptation & Stress Ecology). Master Thesis: Coevolution of wing mites and their bat hosts—codivergence or adaptive radiation (Prof. Dr. Encarnação).
  • 2006-2008. Student Fieldwork Assistant, Iguana Research and Breeding Station (IRBS), Utila, Honduras
  • 2006-2011. Research Assistant (part-time), Institute of Animal Ecology and Systematics, JLU Giessen, Germany
  • 2006-2009. Bachelors in Ecology, Zoology & Biophilosophy, Institute of Animal Ecology and Systematics, JLU Giessen, Germany. Thesis title: Primer establishment for AFLP population genetic analyses for two Anole lizards: Norops utilensis and N. bicaorum.
  • 2003-2004. Training: State Certified Environmental Technical Assistant, UTA; practical year Iguana Research and Breeding Station (IRBS, Utila, Honduras

Publications

Google Scholar Animal Ecology Publication Page