By comparing its development to Drosophila and other insects, we can infer what changes happened in the respective evolutionary lineages. Current research focuses on the role of the serosa, the immune defence and cell adhesion. For more information, students can contact the Academic Supervisor: Dr. Maurijn van der Zee.

• The project is only available in the Spring semester.
• Number of placements available: 1 per semester.

Prerequisites

• Preferably some experience with molecular biology.

Faculty Department

Faculty of Science / Institute of Biology Leiden: Evolutionary Biology.
The department of evolutionary biology (at the Institute of Biology Leiden) of Leiden University has a strong tradition in ecology and plasticity of the butterfly Bicyclus anynana. Current research focuses on “evo-devo” (evolutionary developmental biology) using the beetle Tribolium castaneum.