Student field excursion to W-Africa
In 2009, I organised a field excursion to the Biosphere Reserve the Pendjari National in Northern Benin (West-Africa)

Curriculum vitae List of publications Research interests My research interests are in evolutionary biology and ecology, with special emphasis on the evolution of cooperation in the former and on tropical savanna ecosystems in the latter. Termites are my main study organisms. In my groups we are applying a huge variety of methods ranging from classical behavioral observations and field studies to modern genetical techniques (e.g. the development and application of microsatellites; analysis of differentiell gene expression; RNA-interference) and gas chromatography.

Evolution of Cooperation

Cooperation plays a central role in the evolution of life. It characterises all major transitions: the evolution of (i) genomes from simple replicators, (ii) eukaryonts from prokaryotic ancestors, and (iii) multicellular organisms from unicellular organisms. Why do single independent units cooperate? This presents an evolutionary problem as classical Darwinian selection seems to be driven by competition between individuals over reproduction. In my group, we use termites as model organisms to investigate factors favoring cooperation.

 

Media News

Deutschlandfunk

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/43572/title/Suppress-the-mob_gene_found_in_queen_termites

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19919-zoologger-how-to-get-elected-in-a-termite-democracy.html

Cooperation between individuals within a species: Evolution of social life

Using the wood-dwelling Australian termite Cryptotermes secundus (Isoptera, Kalotermitidae) as a model organism, we study factors influencing cooperation and conflicts (Katharina Hoffmann) among colony members. In this termite, workers can cooperate and remain in the nest or the can develop ‚selfishly' into winged sexuals that found an own colony. Figure (Katharina Hoffmann, Estelle Roux and Alex Fuchs).

Different castes of Cryptotermes secundus (2 reproductives and 1 worker)

Macrotermes bellicosus queen with workers

Macrotermes bellicosus-soldier with fungus

Macrotermes bellicosus incorporated fungus

Fungus-growing termites (Macrotermitinae) life in an obligatory symbiosis with fungi of the genus Termitomyces. We are testing evolutionary theories according to which the transmission mode of the symbiotic partners (linked transmission through uniparental vertical inheritance versus independent transmission through horizontal inheritance) should have considerable consequences for the degree of cooperation.


Proximate mechanisms of developmental flexibility

Wood-dwelling termites are characterised by an extremely flexible development that presents the basis of their social life. At the hormonell and genetic level, we are studying the proximate mechanims of development in C. secundus. In a project together with PD Michael Rehli (Uniklinikum Regensburg) we use ‚Representational Differential Analysis' to show genes which are differentially expressed between different castes and RNA interference (Johannes Gowin).


Evolution of complex behavioral adaptations

Cathedrales in the savanna: Mounds of different termite species

Nasutitermes triodiae-mound in Northern Australia

Cubitermes-mound in Côte d'Ivoire

Amitermes meridionalis-mound in Northern Australia

Macrotermes bellicosus-mound in the savanna in Northern Benin

Macrotermes bellicosus-mound in the savanna in Northern Côte d'Ivoire

Macrotermes bellicosus-mound in the galerie-forest in Northern Côte d'Ivoire

Termites are the architects of impressive and diverse mounds, in which the colonies live. We are investigating causes of diversity in mound building in African and Australian termites. Currently we are studying the influence of natural selection and genetic drift on the architecture of the magnetic termite, Amitermes meridionalis. The North South orientated, wedge-shaped mounds are conspicuous islands in the savanna of Northern Australia (Anna Maria Schmidt).


Population dynamics and regulation of tropical savanna ecosystems

living Macrotermes bellicosus-mound

Tree island on dead Macrotermes bellicosus-mound

Termites, especially fungus-growing termites (Macrotermitinae), are key species (‚ecosystem engineers') of tropical ecosystems. As decomposers they play a fundamental role in recycling nutrients and in influencing soil properties. Their activity creates habitat heterogenity, which is essential for the origin and maintenance of the biodiversity of tropical savanna ecosystems. In a longterm study in West-Africa (Ivory Coast, Benin) we are monitoring the population dynamics of the mound-building, fungus-growing termite Macrotermes bellicosus to reveal their underlying mechanisms.
Furthermore, we are investigating the influence of mounds on biodiversity (Barbara Hausberger). Dead mounds present diversity island within in the savanna that harbor a unique vegetation. Many of the plants restricted to the mounds are important medicinal plants for the local people. Within in the framework of BIOTA West Africa, we are studying in an interdisciplinary approach the interactions between termites, plants, and humans (Stefanie Reichmann).

Conservation and population genetics

A modern approach to nature conservation often implies population genetic analyses, for example, in order to define species precisely, measure the interaction between sub-populations and determine the genetic depletion and inbreeding. Such investigations are done on selected insects and vertebrates. (Julio Cesar Delgadillo).

Publications


I. Publications in international Peer-Reviewed Journals, Books and Book Chapters
 

Hirschfelder, H-J, Salewski, V, Nerb, W, Korb, J (2011) Schnelle Ausbreitung einer Schwarzmeerform der Gemeinen Kahnschnecke Theodoxus fluviatilis (LINNAEUS 1758) in der bayerischen Donau. Mitt. dtsch. malakozool. Ges. 85: 1-10

Abbot, P et al. (137 authors) (2011) Inclusive fitness theory and eusociality. Nature 471 (7339) E1-E4. Doi 10.1038/Nature09831

Nobre T, Fernandes C, Boomsma J J, Korb J, Aanen D K (2011) Farming termites determine the genetic population structure of Termitomyces fungal symbionts. Mol. Ecol. 20: 2023-2033

Korb J (2011) Termite mound architecture, from function to construction. In: Biology of Termites: A Modern Synthesis (eds. D E Bignell, Y Roisin, N Lo), Springer Press, Heidelberg, pp. 349-374

Roisin, Y, Korb J (2011) Social organisation and the status of workers in termites. In: Biology of Termites: A Modern Synthesis (eds. D E Bignell, Y Roisin, N Lo), Springer Press, Heidelberg, pp.  133-164

Hoffmann, K, Korb J (2011) Is there conflict over direct reproduction in lower termite colonies? Animal Behaviour 81: 265-274

Korb J, Salewski, V (2011) Unearthening old data: Darwin was indeed correct about earthworm behavior. Evo Edu Outreach, DOI 10.1007/s12052-010-0295-0

Korb J (2010) Invertebrate social behaviour: Social evolution in termites. In: Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior (ed. M. Breed/J. Moore), Elsevier, Oxford: 394-400

Korb J, Foster K R (2010) Ecological competition favours cooperation in termite societies. Ecology Letters 13: 754-760

Canales-Delgadillo J, Scott-Morales L, Niehuis O, Korb J (2010) Isolation and characterization of nine microsatellite loci in the endangered Worthen's Sparrow (Spizella wortheni). Conservation Genet Resour. DOI 10.1007/s12686-010-9203-8

Niehuis O, Korb J (2010) Isolation and characterization of seventeen polymorphic microsatellite markers in the cleptoparasitic cuckoo wasp Hedychrum nobile (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae). Conservation Genet Resour DOI 10.1007/s12686-009-9167-8

Korb J (2010) Social insects, major evolutionary transitions and multilevel selection. (ca. 15MB) In: Animal Behaviour: Evolution and Mechanisms (ed. P. Kappeler), Springer Press, Heidelberg, pp. 179-211

Weil T, Korb J,  Rehli M (2009) Comparison of Queen-Specific Gene Expression in Related Lower Termite Species. Mol. Biol. Evol. 26 (8): 1841-1850

Korb J (2009) Termites: An Alternative Road to Eusociality and the Importance of Group Benefits in Social Insects. In: Organization of Insect Societies: From Genome to Sociocomplexity (eds. J. Gadau & J. Fewell), Harvard University Press, pp. 128-147

Korb J, Weil T, Hoffmann K, Foster, K R, Rehli, M (2009) A gene necessary for reproductive suppression in Termites. Science 324: 758 (Supporting Online Marterial)

Korb J, Hoffmann K,  Hartfelder, K (2009) Endocrine signatures underlying plasticity in postembryonic development of a lower termite, Cryptotermes secundus (Kalotermitidae). Evolution & Development 11: 3: 269-277

Weil T, Hoffmann K, Kroiss J, Strohm E, Korb J (2009) Scent of a queen - cuticular hydrocarbons specific for female reproductives in lower termites. Naturwissenschaften 96: 315-319

Roux EA, Roux M, Korb J (2009) Selection on defensive traits in a sterile caste – caste evolution, a mechanism to overcome life-history trade-offs? Evolution & Development 11: 1: 80-87

Korb J (2008) Termites, hemimetabolous diploid white ants? Frontiers in Zoology 5: 15: 1-9

Korb J, Muller H (2008) Male or female soldiers? An evaluation of several factors which may influence soldier sex ratio in lower termites. Insectes Sociaux 55:213-219

Korb J, Hartfelder K (2008) Life history and development - a framework for understanding developmental plasticity in lower termites. Biological Reviews 83:295-313

Korb J, Heinze J (2008) Ecology of Social Evolution. Edited book, Springer Publisher, Heidelberg

Korb J (2008) The ecology of social evolution in termites. In: Ecology of Social Evolution (eds. J. Korb &  J. Heinze), Springer Press, Heidelberg, pp. 151-174

Korb J, Heinze J (2008) The ecology of social life: A synthesis. In: Ecology of Social Evolution (eds. J. Korb &  J. Heinze), Springer Press, Heidelberg, pp.245-259

Korb J (2007) Termites. Current Biology 17: R995-999

Korb J (2007) Workers of a drywood termite do not work. Frontiers in Zoology 4:e7

Korb J, Heinze J (2007) Dissecting cooperation. Behavioural Processes 76:78-80

Korb J, Schneider K (2007) Does kin structure explain the occurrence of workers in the lower termite Cryptotermes secundus? Evolutionary Ecology 21:817-828

Salewski V, Korb J (2007) New bird records for Benin. Malimbus 29:42-45.

Schmidt AM, Trindl A, Korb J (2007) Isolation and characterization of ten microsatellite loci in the magnetic termite Amitermes meridionalis (Isoptera: Termitidae). Molecular Ecology Notes: DOI 10.1111/j.1471-8286.2007.01771.x

Weil T, Rehli M, Korb J (2007) Molecular basis for the reproductive division of labour in a lower termite. BMC Genomics 8:198

Korb J (2006) Limited food induces nepotism in drywood termites. Biology Letters 2:364-366

Korb J, Fuchs A (2006) Termites and mites – adaptive behavioural responses to infestation? Behaviour 143:891-907

Korb J (2005) Regulation of sexual development in termites: mutilation, pheromonal manipulation or honest signal. Naturwissenschaften 92:45-49

Korb J, Katrantzis S (2004) Influence of environmental conditions on the expression of the sexual dispersal phenotype in a lower termite: Implications for the evolution of workers in termites. Evolution & Development 6:342-352

Korb J, Heinze J (2004) Multilevel selection and social evolution of insect societies. Naturwissenschaften 91:291-304

Korb J, Lenz M (2004) Reproductive decision-making in the termite Cryptotermes secundus (Kalotermitidae) under variable food conditions. Behavioral Ecology 15:390-395

Korb J, Schmidinger S (2004) Help or disperse? Cooperation in termites influenced by food conditions. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 56:89-95

Roux EA, Korb J (2004) Evolution of eusociality and the soldier caste in termites: a validation of the intrinsic benefit hypothesis. Journal of Evolutionary Biology 6:342-352

Fuchs A, Schreyer A, Feuerbach S, Korb J (2004) A new technique for termite monitoring using computer tomography and endoscopy. International Journal of Pest Management 50:63-66

Korb J (2003) Thermoregulation and ventilation of termite mounds. Naturwissenschaften 90:212-219

Korb J (2003) The shape of compass termite mounds and its biological significance. Insectes Sociaux 50:218-221

Korb J, Aanen DK (2003) The evolution of uniparental transmission of fungus-growing termites (Macrotermitinae). Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 53:65-71

Korb J, Roux E, Lenz M (2003) Proximate factors influencing soldier development in the basal termite Cryptotermes secundus. Insectes Sociaux 50:299-303

Fuchs A, Heinze J, Reber-Funk C, Korb J (2003) Isolation and characterisation of six microsatellite loci in the drywood termite Cryptotermes secundus (Kalotermitidae). Molecular Ecology Notes 3:355-357

Krell F-T, Korb J, Walter P (2003) The beetle fauna of hyaena latrines: coprocenoses consisting of necrophagous beetles (Coleoptera: Trogidae, Scarabaeidae). Tropical Zoology 16:145-152

Korb J, Linsenmair KE (2002) Evaluation of predation risk in the collectively foraging termite Macrotermes bellicosus. Insectes Sociaux 49:264-269

Korb J, Linsenmair KE (2001) The causes of spatial patterning of mounds of a fungus-cultivating termite: results from nearest-neighbour analysis and ecological studies. Oecologia 127:324-333

Korb J, Linsenmair KE (2001) Resource availability and distribution patterns, indicators of competition between Macrotermes bellicosus and other macro-detritivores in the Comoé National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. African Journal of Ecology 39:257-265

Korb J (2001) Kathedralen in der Savanne: Termiten und ihre Nester. In: Nestwerk: Architektur und Lebewesen (eds. P.-R. Becker & H. Braun), Isensee, Oldenburg, pp. 122-129

Korb J, Linsenmair KE (2000) Ventilation of termite mounds: new results require a new model. Behavioral Ecology 11:486-494

Korb J, Linsenmair KE (2000) Thermoregulation of termite mounds: what role does ambient temperature and metabolism of the colony play? Insectes Sociaux 47:357-363

Korb J, Salewski V (2000) Predation on swarming termites by birds. African Journal of Ecology 38:173-174

Korb J (2000) Methods to study elusive spotted hyenas in the Comoé National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. Hyaena Specialist Group Newsletter IUCN 7:3-12

Salewski V, Göken F, Korb J, Schmidt S (2000) Has the White-necked Picathartes (Picathartes gymnocephalus) still a chance in Lamto, Ivory Coast? Bird Conservation International 10:41-46

Korb J, Linsenmair KE (1999) The architecture of termite mounds, a result of a trade-off between thermoregulation and gas exchange? Behavioral Ecology 10:312-316

Korb J, Linsenmair KE  (1999) Reproductive success of Macrotermes bellicosus (Isoptera, Macrotermitinae) in two neighbouring habitats. Oecologia118:183-191

Korb J, Linsenmair KE  (1998) Experimental heating of Macrotermes bellicosus (Isoptera, Macrotermitinae) mounds: what role does microclimate play in influencing mound architecture? Insectes Sociaux 45:335-342

Korb J, Linsenmair KE  (1998) The effects of temperature on the architecture and distribution of Macrotermes bellicosus (Isoptera: Macrotermitinae) mounds in different habitats of a West African Guinea savanna. Insectes Sociaux 45:51-65

Salewski V, Korb J (1998) New bird records from Comoé National Park, Ivory Coast. Malimbus 20:54-55

Grabow K, Korb J, Martens A, Rödel M-O (1997) The use of termite mounds by the dragonfly Crocothemis divisa Karsch 1898 during the pre-reproductive period (Odonata, Libellulidae). Tropical Zoology 10:1-10

Korb J (1997) Lokale und regionale Verteilung von Macrotermes bellicosus (Isoptera, Macrotermitinae): Stochastik oder Deterministik? Wissenschaft & Technik Verlag, Berlin. 158 pp