Biogeologie

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.

Learn more about the work we do

Into Forgotten Worlds 

Are you interested in working with us?

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

A new PhD position is open, applications can be sent until 31st of January, 2026

What's new in December 2025

New team members and guests:
Newest publications:
  • Albrecht, J., Bocherens, H., Hobson, K., Drucker, D., Sergiel, A., Swenson, J., Zedrosser, A., Marciszak, A., Iregren, E., Drenzel, L., Kysely, R., Lipecki, G., Makowiecki, D., Wagner, J., Zwijacz-Kozica, T., Fritz, S., Revilla, E., Selva, N., 2025. Dynamic omnivory shapes the functional role of large carnivores under global change. Nature Communication 16:10896. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-65959-7   
  • Cosnefroy, Q., Crevecoeur, I., Semal, P., Hajdinjak, M., Mesa, A.B., Krause, J., Gnecchi-Ruscone, G.A,, Posth, C., Bocherens, H., Devièse, T., Rougier, H., 2025. The cannibalised Neandertals from Goyet, Belgium: evidence of a highly selected assemblage from the fragmented long bones. Scientific Reports 15:41741. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-24460-3    
  • Ma, J., Bocherens, H., Tong, H., Pei, S., Wu, X., Liu, W., 2026. Paleoenvironments of the late Mid-dle Pleistocene Hualongdong, east-central China and their implications for the hominin evolution in eastern Asia. Quaternary Science Reviews 373: 109746 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2025.109746  
  • Meleg, I., Alberti, F., Drucker, D.G., Naparus-Aljancic, M., Feurdean, A., Robu, M., Robu, M., Vlaicu, M., Naito. Y.I., Boroneant, A., Carciumaru, M., Nitu, E.C., Hofreiter, M., Bocherens, H., Barlow, A., in press. Ancient biomolecules suggest learned foraging strategy in extinct cave bears. iScience 113920. https://doi.irg/10.1016/j.isci.2025.113920   
Newest public outreach: