Aniek Ivens, PhD

Mutualism evolution and stability are major outstanding questions in evolutionary biology. To address these questions, I have adopted subterranean ant-trophobiont (e.g. aphids & mealybugs) interaction networks as a novel study system. My research can be subdivided in four research themes: three empirical and one theoretical, and employs a broad range of methods, from behavioural experiments, advanced microscopy, high-throughput sequencing to computer simulations. In this way, I aim to contribute to a better understanding of the emergence and persistence of cooperation between species.