- Processes and dynamics of biodiversity assemblages
- Epiphytic host preferences and patterns

Vascular epiphytes make up a large part of tropical plant diversity. However, due to their difficult access high up in the tree, studies investigating their long-term dynamics are scarce. As a doctoral candidate, I want to fill this gap by studying the long-term dynamics of an epiphyte community in the tropical lowlands of Panama. The goal of my research is to contribute to a better understanding of patterns and processes of diversity and abundance over time. Therefore, I collect data both directly from epiphytes on trees in the field, as well as with the help of modelling epiphyte community dynamics.

Karwinkel, T., Winklhofer, M., Janner, L. E., Brust, V., Hüppop, O., Bairlein, F., & Schmaljohann, H. 2022. A magnetic pulse does not affect free-flight navigation behaviour of a medium-distance songbird migrant in spring. Journal of Experimental Biology, 225(19), jeb244473. www.doi.org/10.1242/jeb.244473