Modelling of the interactions between plants and reindeer on Finnmarksvidda and Svalbard is a central theme. Associate Professor Christina Wegener . The research is targeted towards factors that influence density and abundance of animals. Studies of the distribution and effect of parasites is, along with entomology, behavioural ecology, evolutionary ecology, environmental studies and studies of the ecology of large mammals, central research areas. The most common form of mutual interaction between species in nature is parasitism.
Parasites have significant effect on a populations adaptations, distribution and abundance.
It is therefore important to understand the causes of variation in parasite infection between individuals, populations and species. Species such as cod, trout, ptarmigan, eider duck and reindeer are used as model systems for these studies. Much of the variation we find in animal behaviour mechanisms can be understood on the basis of optimal individual adaptations to secure transmission of their genes to the next generation. For example, choice of mates is not random but occurs as a result of signals that provide information about a potential partner's quality. Such signals are often associated with secondary sexual characteristics.