Organisms evolve and adapt to changing environmental conditions, which today are often caused by human activities. The basis of evolutionary adaptation is the genetic, physiological and behavioral variation observed in individuals and species, with consequences for community composition and biodiversity as well as ecosystem functioning at different spatial scales.

To answer these fundamental questions, we combine ecological theory with models, field data and experimental setups. We also focus on a mechanistic understanding of biological processes using physiological, behavioral, proteomic and epigenetic indicators. Evolutionary processes, including sexual and asexual reproduction, are studied at the population level (experimental and natural).

Fossils are the preserved remains of organisms from the past. They provide evidence of Darwinian evolution on Earth. ILEE studies the age and causes of mammalian and dinosaur extinction events. We focus our research on mass extinctions linked to global warming in order to understand potential changes in biodiversity during future climate disruptions.

The concept of ecosystem services stems from a robust sustainability framework, and its first purpose was to support biodiversity conservation. Today, it is increasingly used to promote the sustainable management and planning of landscapes, in order to improve the well-being of local stakeholders.

To this end, inclusive and integrated valuation frameworks are being developed. These frameworks combine different types of values (social, economic, biophysical) and include local stakeholders in a participatory manner. Social valuation of ES is a key focus of ILEE, including assessment of trade-offs and synergies between ES and stakeholders to improve local ES governance.

Methodological approaches include ES mapping, modeling and integrated ES assessments.

• Alice Dennis, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Environmental and Evolutionary Biology Research Unit (URBE)
• Frederik de Laender, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Environmental and Evolutionary Biology Research Unit (URBE)
• Nicolas Dendoncker, Faculty of Science, Department of Geography
• Patrick Kestemont, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Environmental and Evolutionary Biology Research Unit (URBE)
• Frédéric Silvestre, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Environmental and Evolutionary Biology Research Unit (URBE), Laboratory of Evolutionary and Adaptive Biology (LEAP)
• Johan Yans, Faculty of Science, Department of Geology