Julius Hoffmann

Research interest

My research aims at understanding eco-evolutionary dynamics in a coevolving predator- prey system. I am investigating how coevolution affects diversity and trait changes (i.e. changes of competitive ability and anti-predator defence) in prey populations and communities. I study these effect via experiments in controlled microbial microcosms employing ciliate predators and their bacterial prey as a model system. A central part of my project is elucidating how mismatches (or matches) of previous co-evolutionary history of predator and prey impact eco-evolutionary dynamics. This includes understanding patterns of phenotypic and genomic change as well as alterations in community composition and impacts on population dynamics.