Knowledge of the interactions between living organisms and processes in their physical and chemical environment is essential for a better understanding of the dynamics of ecosystems at different temporal and spatial scales.

Modern reconstructions of the history of life on earth rely heavily on analyses of DNA data that contain the footprints of the past.

The spatial and temporal scale ranges from fluxes at the molecular level to the reconstruction of Quaternary climate change in different continents.

Research in Theme III aims to understand the dynamics of natural communities given the diversity and behaviour of the organisms present in the system.

Individual variation - for instance in developmental stage or in genetic response - can have a major impact on the stability of complex biological systems.