Terrestrial Ecology Unit (TEREC) - Ghent University

Scientists and students of the Terrestrial Ecology Unit, one of the research groups affiliated with the Department of Biology (Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University) study patterns and processes underlying the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. This is achieved through competitive research programs dealing with population and vegetation dynamics, biotic interactions between plants, herbivores, pollinators and predators, behavioural and life-history trait variation, phenotypic (developmental) plasticity and bio-indicators in invertebrate and vertebrate species.

Patterns and processes are studied at ecosystem, population, and individual levels, and interpreted within a fundamental (evolutionary-ecological) and applied (conservation-oriented) framework. The latter comprises the study of fluctuating asymmetry as early-warning system in animal conservation and the study of nature management impact on populations and communities of plants and arthropods.

Prof. Dr. Luc Lens
Director