Anne Lewerentz

PhD student

Address:

Ecosystem Modeling, Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology (CCTB)
University of Würzburg

Emil-Fischer-Str 32 (Left entrance, Apartment L4), 97074 Würzburg

Tel: 0931 - 31 84952

eMail:  anne.lewerentz@uni-wuerzburg.de

Project: Biodiversity distribution and dynamics of freshwater macrophytes in Bavarian lakes and their response to climate and land use change

Freshwater und floodplain ecosystems are among the most threatened ecosystems in the world. Their biodiversity is fascinating but mostly hidden from our eyes under the water surface. Climate change and changes in land use seem to the main threats for those ecosystems. To investigate their impacts, aquatic plants are good long-term indicator species.

In my research, I therefore use eco-physiological models to assess the response of macrophyte biodiversity to environmental change, taking into account the variety of Bavarian lake types. By exploring the complex correlations between environmental change and freshwater diversity, I hope to contribute to the theoretical understanding of freshwater ecosystems and to provide specific guidance to conservation authorities.

The project is part of the interdisciplinary research consortium “BLIZ”, a Bayklif  funded project that investigates how society, land use, ecosystem services and biodiversity interact in Bavaria under the influence of climate change until 2100. Within BLIZ, my project entails close collaboration with partners in the Limnological Station Iffeldorf (TUM).