Department of Molecular Biodiversity

The Department of Molecular Biodiversity conducts interdisciplinary research on the genetic diversity, evolution and ecology of animals and protists. Our work integrates molecular biology, cytogenetics, phylogeography, population and conservation genetics, as well as modern field‑based ecological approaches.
We focus particularly on insects (Orthoptera and Coleoptera), birds, and ciliates of the genus Paramecium, supported by a unique live culture collection widely used in evolutionary and comparative studies.

The Department is home to high‑calibre specialists in molecular biology, population genetics, cytogenetics, evolutionary ecology, systematics and next‑generation sequencing, enabling cutting‑edge basic and applied research.
Our results support taxonomic revisions, enhance the understanding of organism–environment interactions and inform biodiversity conservation.

Main Research Areas

1. Evolution and Cytogenetics of Orthoptera
Chromosomal evolution, phylogenetics and genetic diversification in Orthoptera using classical and molecular cytogenetic tools.

2. Phylogeography and Population Genetics of Invertebrates (Coleoptera)
NGS‑based analyses of saproxylic beetles and riparian indicator species, including ddRADseq, SNP genotyping, microbiome studies and bioinformatics.

3. Ecology and Evolution of Birds
Birds as indicators of environmental change, impacts of invasive plants, habitat structure, and hybridisation studies in woodpeckers.

4. Systematics and Molecular Ecology of Paramecium
Research on species delimitation, barcoding, population variability and host–symbiont interactions supported by a world‑class Paramecium live culture collection.

5. Molecular Biodiversity of Micro- and Meiofauna
Metabarcoding and ecological analyses of tardigrades and small invertebrate communities, with a focus on environmental gradients and anthropogenic impact.
 
Methods and Infrastructure

High‑throughput sequencing (NGS/HTS), ddRADseq, SNP‑genotyping, DNA metabarcoding, microbiome profiling, advanced cytogenetic techniques (C‑banding, fluorochromes, FISH), and modern field equipment (camera traps, thermal imaging, automated recorders).

Impact and Applications
The department's research contributes to:

•     taxonomic revisions and species delimitation,

•     reconstruction of population histories and range dynamics,
•     assessment of forest and riparian habitats,
•     development of conservation strategies,
•     environmental monitoring using insects and birds.

Collections

The Department maintains an exceptional live culture collection of Paramecium strains and collaborates closely with the Institute’s Scientific Collections (over 2.18 million specimens), supporting research, teaching and data mobilisation initiatives.

Education, Collaboration and Outreach

The department offers training, internships, doctoral supervision, laboratory and field courses, and engages widely in national and international research networks, conferences, public events and science communication.