Benedikt HoltmannEmail: benedikt(-dot-)holtmann(-at-)gmail(-dot-)com
I am a PhD student in my final year. Originally, I am from Germany where I did my degree in biology (Diploma). After 25 years in Germany I moved to New Zealand and joined the I-DEEL group to start my PhD. In my research with Shinichi, I examine the causes and consequences of behavioural variation using the dunnock (Prunella modularis) as a study species. To answer my questions I combine field and laboratory work as well as meta-analytical approaches. |
Research Interests
Animal behaviour, evolutionary biology, responses to environmental/urban change, sexual selection, reproductive strategies.
Past Work / Education
To become a biologist I studied marine biology, zoology and fishery biology at the University of Rostock. The subject of my Diploma thesis was senescence in the breeding behaviour and chick rearing ability of common terns (Sterna hirundo). I conducted the study at the Institute for Avian Research ‘Vogelwarte Helgoland’ under the supervision of Prof. Peter Becker and Prof. Stefan Richter. During my studies in Germany I also worked on other projects not related to my thesis work: I) Stopover ecology of northern wheatears (Oenanthe oenanthe) on Heligoland, under supervision of Dr. Heiko Schmaljohann. II) Foraging ecology, reproductive ecology and population dynamics of several seabird species on Christmas Island (Australia), under the supervision of Dr. Janos Hennicke.
Current Work
In my PhD (co-supervised by Dr. Sheri Johnson and Dr Bruce Robertson) I investigate the variation of personality traits in an introduced species, the dunnock (Prunella modularis). Further, I examine how consistent individual behaviour influences habitat selection, mate choice and reproductive success. I am also interested in how variation in personality related genes (e.g. DRD4 and SERT) impacts behavioural traits.
Other Interests
I love to be outdoors, especially hiking and bird watching. I also play football in a local club in Dunedin. I enjoy traveling, eating nice food and having a beer with friends at the weekend.
Animal behaviour, evolutionary biology, responses to environmental/urban change, sexual selection, reproductive strategies.
Past Work / Education
To become a biologist I studied marine biology, zoology and fishery biology at the University of Rostock. The subject of my Diploma thesis was senescence in the breeding behaviour and chick rearing ability of common terns (Sterna hirundo). I conducted the study at the Institute for Avian Research ‘Vogelwarte Helgoland’ under the supervision of Prof. Peter Becker and Prof. Stefan Richter. During my studies in Germany I also worked on other projects not related to my thesis work: I) Stopover ecology of northern wheatears (Oenanthe oenanthe) on Heligoland, under supervision of Dr. Heiko Schmaljohann. II) Foraging ecology, reproductive ecology and population dynamics of several seabird species on Christmas Island (Australia), under the supervision of Dr. Janos Hennicke.
Current Work
In my PhD (co-supervised by Dr. Sheri Johnson and Dr Bruce Robertson) I investigate the variation of personality traits in an introduced species, the dunnock (Prunella modularis). Further, I examine how consistent individual behaviour influences habitat selection, mate choice and reproductive success. I am also interested in how variation in personality related genes (e.g. DRD4 and SERT) impacts behavioural traits.
Other Interests
I love to be outdoors, especially hiking and bird watching. I also play football in a local club in Dunedin. I enjoy traveling, eating nice food and having a beer with friends at the weekend.