Rita Adrian

Biography

Education: University:  Diploma in Biology, Free University Berlin (1976 – 1984) Dissertation: Free University Berlin, Institute of Zoology (1985 - 1988) Thesis: Omnivory in cyclopoid copepods: The role of algal versus invertebrate prey for Cyclops kolensis und C. vicinus (Crustacea, Copepoda). Habilitation: Free University Berlin, 2000: Thesis: Functioning of Plankton Communities: The Role of trophic interactions and climatic variables.

Research Interest

I am interested in the long-term development of lake ecosystems; particularly in the temporal scale (minutes to decades) which govern the dynamics of the thermal- and nutrient regime, plankton communities and lake metabolism. We combine statistical modelling with ecological theory to identify mechanisms driving the nature of long-term change (linear versus non-linear), to quantify critical thresholds causing abrupt changes and to understand the emergence and maintenance of plankton biodiversity. We base our research on decadal data from our prime case study site Lake Müggelsee, located in the suburban area of Berlin, and lakes around the world.