Applied Zoology and Biophysics Group

RESEARCH SUMMARY

Our group is interested in knowing the effects of climate change on the global biology and physiology of different animal species in a conservation context. In this way, we use both biological and biophysical techniques to understand the different physiological, endocrine, biochemical, morphological and genetic responses. Behaviors and responses are analyzed to quantitatively evaluate the adaptive capacity of each species to the different environmental anomalies linked to climate change. Knowing these answers, we will be able to analyze more in depth the survival capacity of the animal species.

X-Ray Computed Tomography for small animals

RESEARCH LINES

Line 1: Effects of climate change on insect pests. Physiological and genetic responses of the Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) to thermal anomalies

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, is considered to be one of the most destructive palm pests in warm areas worldwide. It is native to Southeast Asia and Oceania. However, because of the movement of live infested palms in recent decades, RPW has widely expanded to other regions of Asia, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East, Caribbean and California.

Studying the different morphological, physiological and genetic responses we will be able to understand how thermal anomalies affects fitness of RPW, which is relevant for pest management, but also to deepen the knowledge of adaptive capacity of pest insects.

Red Palm Weevil larva inside the X-Ray Computed Tomography System

Line 2: Effects of climate change on non-invasive insects. Quantitative analysis of the different physiological responses to mitigate negative impacts

Climate change can reduce the viability of species leading to a loss of biodiversity. Fitness losses can be mitigated, however, if populations respond adaptively.

Quantifying adaptive responses, or demonstrating their absence, is important in a biodiversity conservation context for predicting species’ abundances. Effects of climate change on biodiversity could thus be mitigated by developing strategies tailored to each species. 

Line 3: Cryopreservation of cells, tissues and organs from mammals, birds and insects

Objectives:

. To advance the knowledge about cryopreservation of cells, tissues and organs

. To use part of the cryopreserved biomaterials for relevant research leading to species conservation

. To preserve the genetic/evolutionary information contained in cells for future generations