Dr.Thomas von Rintelen

Scientist / (Senior) Scientist

• Dynamics of Nature

• Center for Integrative Biodiversity Discovery

In my group we study the biodiversity, distribution and origin of freshwater invertebrates in the tropics, particularly SE Asia. Focussing on molluscs and crustaceans, we use integrative taxonomy to establish a baseline for follow-up research on the phylo- and biogeography of species and higher taxa as well as in-depth studies on speciation, especially in ancient lakes. To this purpose, we employ morphological (e.g., light microscopy, SEM, µCT, histology) as well as genetic (molecular phylogenetics, transcriptomics, phylogenomics) methods. International collaboration is an important part of our research, with long-term partnerships established with countries in SE Asia (Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and W Africa (Cameroon).