Duration of the project
01.02.2019. - 31.10.2019.
Countries and institutions involved in the project
Aim of the project
Sea level rise leads to salinization of areas where freshwater conditions currently prevail. The change in salinity has a strong impact on the distribution of organisms. Theodoxus fluviatiles can tolerate salinity changes up to a salinity of 21. Physiological investigations indicate the mechanisms Theodoxus uses to compensate for such salt fluctuations (Prof. Hildebrandt). At the same time, the gut microbiota of the samples is being investigated (Prof. Herlemann). The combination of the physiological investigation with the results from the gut microbiome will help to understand the impact of salinity on the intestinal microbiota and possible feedback with the host (e.g., survival).
Main activities of the project
- University of Greifswald: Studies on the adaptation of the salt / water balance in snails
- Estonian University of Life Sciences, Centre for Limnology: Studies of intestinal microbiota in snails
Target group and number of persons involved
Direct: Scientists in the field of intestinal microbiota, animal physiology, zoology, ecology (approximately 50 persons)
Indirect: People interested in climate change and related environmental changes (such as changes in salinity in bodies of water). (approximately 100 persons)
Public events
Seminar at the University of Greifswald Prof. Herlemann, May 2019, Seminar at the Estonian University of Life Sciences in Tartu, Prof. Hildebrandt, June 2019. Both seminars are open for public.
