Temporal niche choice in Drosophila melanogaster (A05*)

• Subject Area: Sensory and Behavioural Biology ; Cognitive, Systems and Behavioural Neurobiology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 316099922

The project directly addresses the temporal aspect of niche choice behaviour, exemplified by most organisms showing defined activity windows during the 24 hr day. Using a novel choice apparatus, we will test if individual flies can actively choose the temporal environment (e.g., photoperiod) that matches their internal time and if individuals with the same genetic background differ in their choice. By releasing cryptic genetic variation, we will test if individuals can extend their temporal niche.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 212: A Novel Synthesis of Individualisation across Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution: Niche Choice, Niche Conformance, Niche Construction (NC3)
• Applicant Institution: Universität Bielefeld
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Ralf Stanewsky