The organisms, as well trees as insectsand other anthropodes, are adapted to the change of terrestrial and aquatic phases. The work group investigates the consequences of the flood pulse for the adaptation of the organisms in the flooded areas. The limnological river unit Schlitz investigates as an exemplary study the structure and function of a small running water. Origin and turnover of the bio mass in the water are focal point of the interest. Bacteria are important for the fixation of solved organical substances in the ground-water and the decomposition of material that has been imported from the region.
Insects play an important role in the comminution of particular material.
The unit calls a unique set of long term data their own, which is about the seasonal cycle of insects, which can be used to investigate steering factors and make statements about bio diversity.