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 Projects
Staff of the group Hau
Evolutionary physiology
Head: Dr. Michaela Hau
My main research interest is to understand the ways in which animals have evolutionarily adapted their physiological setup to the environment
in which they live. I focus on three physiological systems: i) reproductive timing, ii) endocrine control of organismal traits, and iii)
the circadian system. To study physiological adaptations, I compare bird populations across latitudes, both intraspecifically
(for example using great tit, Parus major, populations across Europe) and interspecifically (temperate versus tropical birds).
My research integrates physiology, ecology and evolution and is aimed at a functional understanding of short- and long-term animal-environment
interactions.
In my lab, we conduct field work in Panama, the Galapagos, and in Europe to learn about patterns in nature. We combine these data with
laboratory experiments to unravel the underlying physiological mechanisms. We observe the birds’ behavior, use field endocrinological
techniques to analyze physiological processes such as hormonal responses to environmental changes, and conduct experiments in the field or
under controlled conditions in the lab to investigate causal relationships between physiology and behavior.
Contact
Dr. Michaela Hau
phone ++49-7732-1501-13
fax ++49-7732-1501-69
 E-mail: Michaela Hau
Click on the name and then type the following text: 
Schlossallee 2
78315 Radolfzell
 Website: http://www.orn.mpg.de/nwg/abthau_en.html
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