Research
Antarctica phase VI (2006-2010)
BIANZO II - Biodiversity of three representative groups of the Antarctic Zoobenthos - Coping with Change
Content
BIANZO II is not only a continuation of the research conducted during the BIANZO I (2002-2006) project, which focused mainly on ecology, biodiversity and biogeography. It also expands the research in the context of our changing climate (cf. IPCC Fourth Assessment Report, 2007). As indicated by the subtitle (‘Coping with Change’), the focus here is on the ability of the Antarctic zoobenthos to adapt to a changing environment. BIANZO II directly contributes to the SCAR EBA programme (Evolution and Biodiversity in the Antarctic). It is also accepted as IPY (International Polar Year) activity #391 as a part of CAML (Census of Antarctic Marine Life). The partners are also involved in other IPY projects (ANDEEP-SYSTCO and ClicOPEN) and SCAR-MarBIN.
Objectives
BIANZO II will investigate biodiversity patterns of the Antarctic zoobenthos and their causal processes for three representative groups of different size categories: nematodes (meiobenthos), amphipods (macrobenthos) and echinoids (megabenthos) (WP 1: NOWBIO). Trophodynamic aspects of these benthic groups and their ability to cope with temperature and temperature-related changes (food composition and availability, pH of the seawater...) will be studied mainly in an experimental approach (WP 2: DYNABIO). Information collected in previous studies and in the first two work packages will be used to initiate the development of a model about the possible changes in the benthic communities due to global environmental change (WP 3: FOREBIO).
Complementary resources about this scientific project
Partners and Contact information
Coordinator: Ann Vanreusel
Ghent University (UGent)
Marine Biology Section
Krijgslaan 281/Building S8
B-9000 Gent
Tel : +32 (0)9 264 85 21
Fax : +32 (0)9 264 85 98
ann.vanreusel@Ugent.be
www.marinebiology.ugent.be
Promoter: Claude De Broyer (Department of Invertebrates)
& Patrick
Martin (Section of Freshwater Biology)
Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (IRScNB/KBIN)
Rue Vautier 29
B-1000 Bruxelles
Tel : +32 (0)2 627 41 27 (CDB)
or +32(0)2 627 43 17 (PM)
Fax : +32 (0)2 627 42 77 (CDB)
claude.debroyer@naturalsciences.be
or patrick.martin@naturalsciences.be
Promoter: Chantal
De Ridder
Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
Marine Biology Laboratory, CP 160/15
Avenue F. Roosevelt 50
B-1050 Bruxelles
Tel : +32 (0)2 650 29 66
Fax : +32 (0)2 650 27 96
cridder@ulb.ac.be
Promoter: Patrick Dauby
Université of Liège (ULg)
Département des sciences et gestion de l'environnement
Systématique et diversité animale
BAT. B6 Systématique et diversité animale
allée de la Chimie 3
B-4000 Liège
Tel :+32 (0)4 366 33 22
Fax :+32 (0)4 366 33 25
pdauby@ulg.ac.be
Promoter: Bruno David
Université de Bourgogne
Biogéosciences
6, bd Gabriel
21000 Dijon - France
Tel: +33-3-80-39-63-71
Fax: +33-3-80-39-63-87
biogeosciences.u-bourgogne.fr/en/