Home page - Anthropocene Biology Lab

Anthropocene Biology Lab

We study how wildlife responds to a world shaped by human activity. Based in Central and Eastern Europe, we bring a geographical, historical and socio-economic perspective that remains underrepresented in much of urban ecology and evolutionary research. Our work spans scales from individuals and populations to cities and global patterns, generating insights from data collected on the ground, through iEcology, and by synthesising scientific knowledge across studies and systems. Ultimately, we seek to understand the ecological and evolutionary consequences of human-driven change — and how that knowledge can help conserve biodiversity in a rapidly changing world.

Warsaw gradient

To understand the footprint of cities on the phenotype and genotype of wild passerine birds, the Anthropocene Biology Lab is running a long-term study of great tits (Parus major) and blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) in a gradient of urbanisation.

Urban Cavities Project

The Urban Cavities Project is a global, citizen-science initiative that explores how birds adapt to the urbanised world by using human-made structures for their nests. From tiny gaps behind drain pipes to ventilation openings, and mailboxes, birds find unusual breeding spots all around us. Join the project on iNaturalist and help us discover those unique places and protect nature!

Plastic pollution

Plastic is the most pervasive element of marine waste, with harmful impact on wildlife. By using iEcology (i.e., internet Ecology, use of online data sources as a new tool in ecological research), we report on the emergence of a novel behaviour in hermit crabs related to the use of plastic or other anthropogenic materials as protective shells.