Biogeologie

AG Biogeology

Research focus

Ongoing Projects

We are the Biogeology Research Group

Our group explores how organisms have adapted to and influenced their environments over time, with a particular focus on hominid-related periods in Earth’s history. We investigate the ecological roles of both extinct and extant species, using isotopic analyses of ancient remains to reconstruct diets, habitats, and ecological niches. Our research spans a wide temporal and taxonomic range, from the woolly mammoths of the Siberian steppes to the great dinosaurs of deep time.

By reconstructing past ecosystems and analyzing long-term ecological dynamics, we contribute to a deeper understanding of biodiversity and environmental change. Our guiding principle: 

Learning from the Past to Preserve the Future.

Are you interested in working with us?

You can find the current Bachelor's and Master`s thesis opportunities here.


What's new in March 2026

New team members and guests:
  • We are happy to welcome Yuzhe Yang as a new Hiwi in our team!
  • Luca Baumann joined our team as a new bachelor student. He will work on retrospective isotope monitoring of wolf hair. 
Newest publications:
  • Baumann, C., Streif, S., Akarsu, A.S., Nowak, C., Drucker, D.G., 2026. Retrospective isotope monitoring reveals spatial and temporal effects of anthropogenic pressures on the trophic ecology of European wildcats (Felis silvestris) in Germany. PLOS ONE 21(2): e0343705.  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0343705
  • Boerman, S.A.C.M., Vellekoop, J., Jouve, S., Rabi, M., Vallée-Gillette, N., Oudoire, T., Smith, T., 2026. Revision of the longirostrine crocodylian Thoracosaurus isorhynchus from the Maastrichtian-Danian of northwestern Europe. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology e2604600. https://doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2025.2604600   
  • Bongers, J.L., Milton, E.B.P., Osborn, J., Drucker, D.G., Robinson, J.R., Scafaldi, B.K., 2026. Seabirds shaped the expansion of pre-Inca society in Peru. PLOS One 21(2): E0341263. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0341263
  • Maidment, S., Butler, R.J., Brusatte, S.L., Meade, L.E., Augustin, F.J., Csiki-Sava, Z. Ösi, A., in press. A hidden diversity of ceratopsian dinosaurs in Late Cretaceous Europe. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09897-w
Newest public outreach:
  • Dr. Martin Ebner and Dr. Tatiana Miranda spoke about “Tropenökologie Südamerikas in der brasilianischen Mata Atlântica” at the Tübingen Research Takeoff
  • Prehistoric Planet - Ice Age  (Apple TV): H. Bocherens scientific advisor for the documentary series (released on 26th November 2025)