Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre SAS
Topic
Change in Biodiversity in a Changing Landscape: Long-Term Development of Aquatic Invertebrate Diversity Based on Historical and Contemporary Data
PhD. program
zoology
Year of admission
2026
Name of the supervisor
Ing. Tomáš Čejka, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Natural Sciences Comenius University
Annotation
The submitted doctoral thesis focuses on the analysis of spatio-temporal changes in aquatic invertebrate communities within the context of dynamic landscape transformations and increasing anthropogenic pressure. The core of the research lies in the comparison of extensive historical datasets with the current state of biota, enabling the identification of long-term biodiversity trends that often remain undetectable through short-term monitoring. The thesis does not limit itself to assessing taxonomic composition (species richness) but also integrates a functional perspective, examining shifts in the ecological traits and roles of organisms within the ecosystem. Using advanced statistical approaches, the work investigates key environmental and ecological factors that determine the transformation of freshwater communities. The findings provide a comprehensive insight into the stability and integrity of aquatic ecosystems and serve as a scientific basis for predicting their future development.
Objectives of the thesis:
1. Evaluate long-term changes in the diversity of selected groups of invertebrates based on historical and contemporary data.
2. Identify key environmental and anthropogenic factors (e.g., land-use change, climate change, pollution) influencing shifts in the taxonomic and functional composition of communities.
3. Estimate the consequences of taxonomic and functional changes in communities for ecosystem processes and the overall ecological condition of aquatic habitats.
4. Formulate practical recommendations for biodiversity monitoring and conservation that reflect the identified trends and the needs of adaptive landscape management.
Objectives of the thesis:
1. Evaluate long-term changes in the diversity of selected groups of invertebrates based on historical and contemporary data.
2. Identify key environmental and anthropogenic factors (e.g., land-use change, climate change, pollution) influencing shifts in the taxonomic and functional composition of communities.
3. Estimate the consequences of taxonomic and functional changes in communities for ecosystem processes and the overall ecological condition of aquatic habitats.
4. Formulate practical recommendations for biodiversity monitoring and conservation that reflect the identified trends and the needs of adaptive landscape management.