Plant Ecology

Leiden University , 1 or 2 semesters
We are interested in identifying and understanding the key processes in the evolution of reproductive traits and defence mechanisms in plants.
Apply for this project
Plant Ecology
Back to overview

We study how biotic and abiotic environmental factors influence the fitness of different genotypes (in natural populations) and how these fitness differences lead to genetic change. We start from a theoretical framework. Modelling and determining the direction and strength of selective agents allows us to use experimental data from laboratory and field experiments to test quantitative and qualitative predictions on evolution and optimization.

Research projects

  1. The evolutionary ecology of plant reproduction.
  2. Ecology and evolution of herbivory and plant defence systems
  • Minimum lenght of participation in the project: 5 - 6 months.

Prerequisites

  • High level (3rd or 4th year) undergraduate student
  • Minimum GPA 3.4
  • A profound knowledge of ecology is necessary.

Important note: 

Students must remain registered as an undergraduate student at their U.S. or Canadian home institution while participating in the program. The student's home institution must complete the Learning Agreement after acceptance into a project, even if credits will not be transferred to that institution. Transfer of credits is decided by the students' home institution.

Submitting an application, does not guarantee that the student will be offered a placement. The research projects are also available to our domestic degree students; therefore, projects may already be full at the time of applying. Final decision on your admission is solely taken by the Research Supervisor at the host institution.

EuroScholars gave me the chance to conduct in-depth independant research in a field I cared about, while also giving me the flexibility to explore and engage with culture in both my host country and other parts of Europe.

Kristin

Kenyon College

The research experience I gained through EuroScholars provided a platform for me to continue conducting research at my home institution and helped strengthen my graduate school applications. The program really helped with my self-image.

Seth

University of Idaho

Faculty Department

Faculty of Science / Institute of Biology

The Institute of Biology (IBL) brings together biologists working in many different subdisciplines (from ecology to evolutionary biology to molecular biology and metabolomics). Research focuses on different levels, from molecule to cell, to organism to population. Studies deal with microorganisms, plants, fungi and animals (mainly insects and fish). Details can be found at the website of the IBL.