Thesis supervisor: István Elek Maák
Location of studies (in Hungarian): University of Szeged, Department of Ecology Abbreviation of location of studies: SZTE
Description of the research topic:
One of the special types of interactions between species is social parasitism, in which parasites are social species that exploit the social system of socially organized host species. In temporal social parasitic species, slave workers are not replaced over time, so the colony of the social parasitic species becomes a single-species colony. Slave-making is one type of permanent social parasitism Although we have much information about these complex systems, less is known about the effect of the two different social parasitic systems (temporary and permanent) on the behavior of slave species and the functional characteristics of potential slave colonies in the vicinity of temporal or permanent social parasites. The Ph.D. student's task will be to investigate the seasonal effect of these social parasites on the behavior of potential slave colonies, on the changes in their behavioral characteristics, and the expression of their defense mechanisms among different environmental characteristics. The PhD student will conduct both field and laboratory studies. The latter will also include the chemical analysis of the hydrocarbon chains of the examined species (they form the basis of ants' communication) and the investigation of their immunocompetence.
Required language skills: English Further requirements: motivation, endurance on the field, proficiency in laboratory testing of ants
Number of students who can be accepted: 1
Deadline for application: 2024-06-30
2024. IV. 17. ODT ülés Az ODT következő ülésére 2024. június 14-én, pénteken 10.00 órakor kerül sor a Semmelweis Egyetem Szenátusi termében (Bp. Üllői út 26. I. emelet).
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