This position is part of the DFG funded priority Programme Dynatrait (https://www.dynatrait.de). In phytoplankton, as the availability of light and nutrients fluctuate, there is variation in the nutrient stoichiometry of the algae. This variation is further influenced by growth rates, which culminates in most cases in the fact that fast growth is linked with a certain optimal nutrient content of the algae (less variation at higher growth rate), whereas slow growing algae can have a large array of different nutrient compositions. These patterns have been identified between populations of algae by averaging the individual responses of many different cells, but up until now, it is unclear whether this also holds within populations, between single algal cells. Thus, it is an open question whether the link between growth rate and nutrient stoichiometry of algae is a population response or an individual response. Zooplankton typically has a more constant nutrient stoichiometry, and a stronger degree of homeostasis. Here, we will investigate variation in population growth rate in microalgae, link this to intra-population variation in nutrient stoichiometry, and investigate the effect of these growth rate-induced variations in cell nutrient quota on growth and dynamics of predators.
Tasks You will:
• Carry out experiments to investigate the effects of growth conditions of algae on their stoichiometry and the variation therein
• Assess the effects of variation in algal characteristics on grazers
• Design experiments and develop theory together with other members of the Dynatrait project
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WDn-Yu7xcvkFX0vo7dAE2TXfToE3G1yI/view?usp=sharing
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