Predator-prey interactions

Predator-prey interactions are one of the most fundamental forms of ecological interaction. It has been consistently shown that predators can regulate the diversity of prey, whereas prey availability can stabilize or destabilize predator communities. We study how temperature affects predator-prey interactions using soil organisms, and how warming-induced shifts in predator-prey interactions affect predator and prey biodiversity. We mainly use Collembola as prey model system, and predatory mites as their predators (see video above). We also use microbial predator-prey interaction model systems.