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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

We are pleased to share that our Laboratory Principal Investigator, Prof. Dr. Çağatay Tavşanoğlu ( @ctavsanoglu.bsky.social ) will be giving a seminar as part of the MBGE Department Seminar Series at Koç University. October 8, 2026 | 14:00–15:00 SNA 156, Koç University

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Çatav, Ş. S., Zare, G., & Tavşanoğlu, Ç. (2026). Karrikins versus strigolactones: A comparative analysis of their effects on seed germination in obligate and facultative Orobanchaceae parasites and fire-responsive species. Comprehensive Plant Biology, 50(2), 259–270. #SeedEcology #FireEcology 3/3

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

By comparing obligate and facultative parasites with fire-responsive species, we show that these cues are not interchangeable, revealing how distinct ecological strategies shape seed perception mechanisms. 2/3

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

A new paper from a great collaboration! 🌱🔥 This study explores whether karrikins and strigolactones function as interchangeable cues for seed germination. 1/3

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

and had the opportunity to engage in valuable scientific discussions with fellow researchers. It was a pleasure to be part of such a vibrant scientific community. We thank the organizers and everyone who contributed to making EEBST 2026 an inspiring and successful symposium.

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Our lab was pleased to participate in the 12th Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Symposium (EEBST 2026), organized by the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Society (EkoEvo). During the symposium, our lab members Cansu Baran and Gülseli Kırgıl presented their research as poster presentations…

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

We are proud to celebrate two important achievements from our lab. Gökhan Ergan and Berna Yavuz have successfully defended their PhD and MSc theses and graduated. Congratulations to both on these important academic milestones, and best wishes for their continued success in their research.

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Our latest paper is out! 🔥 This study explores the first-year post-fire vegetation of burned Pinus brutia forests following the 2021 Marmaris megafire. dx.doi.org/10.15666/aee...

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

🎓Seminar presentations completed! This semester, three MSc students from our lab successfully completed their seminar presentations, covering topics from fire ecology and ecological data analysis to species distribution modelling. Congratulations & best wishes for their upcoming thesis research!

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Our latest paper is out! This study explores how plant communities in the Central Anatolian steppe are structured through functional traits 🌾 doi.org/10.55730/130...

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

🌲 New publication from our lab! 🌡️ These findings highlight a key trade-off under climate change: warming may support germination, but cooler conditions remain crucial for seedling establishment and long-term persistence. Find the article here: doi.org/10.1002/ece3...

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

🌍 New publication from our lab! How will oaks respond to ongoing and future climate change? 🌿 Ülker, E. D., & Tavşanoğlu, Ç. (2026). Oaks and climate change: Contrasting range responses of Mediterranean and temperate Quercus species in the Western Palearctic. Ecology and Evolution, 16(2), e73055.

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

🌲 The effect of elevation on forest structure and tree community composition in Trojan fir forests in Kazdağları (NW Anatolia, Türkiye) Applied Ecology and Environmental Research Authors: Usta, N.; Tüfekcioğlu, İ.; Avdancı, B.; Tavşanoğlu, Ç

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

Our first publications of 2026 are out! 🦌 Population status and recent threats to the northernmost isolated population of the endangered mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella) Mammalia Authors: Karaer, M.C.; Kankılıç, T.; Tavşanoğlu, Ç.

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Summer Internship Applications Are Now Open at the Functional Ecology Laboratory, Hacettepe University! You can find detailed information on eligibility criteria and submit your application. For more detail visit the link in our bio. 🗓️ Application deadline: 15 February.

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

She contributed to mesocosm experiments simulating warming and salinization under climate change, including sample collection and physicochemical measurements (pH, chlorophyll-a, nutrients), gaining experience in lake ecosystem processes.

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

Our lab member Rüveyda Zehra Ögütverici completed her internship in June 2025 at the Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, METU Institute of Marine Sciences (Mersin), where she worked with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Korhan Özkan and his research team.

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

During her visit, she gained experience in leaf anatomical analysis using cryosectioning and light microscopy, including cross-section measurements, and took part in fieldwork within the Horizon Europe FRUITDIV project.

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

Our undergraduate researcher Cansu Baran visited the Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment (ILFE) in Novi Sad, Serbia, as an intern, working with Dr. Srdjan Stojnić and his team on Fagus sylvatica L. 🌿

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

Nurbahar Usta — Forest Dynamics of Fir Forests in the Kazdağları Mountains and the Potential Effects of Climate Change on These Dynamics Cansu Ülgen — Above and Belowground Plant Traits and the Plant Economic Spectrum in Central Anatolian Steppe Vegetation

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

We are proud to celebrate two great achievements from our lab. Nurbahar Usta and Cansu Ülgen have successfully defended their PhD theses and graduated. Congratulations to both, and best wishes for their continued academic journeys.

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

New publication from our lab! Our new study, published in iForest, explores how Mediterranean woody species enhance their flammability through different functional traits — revealing multiple, species-specific strategies shaped by fire. doi:10.3832/ifor4601-018

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

Our Fieldwork in Beytepe🌿 To identify the distribution of Ailanthus altissima, examine its changes over the years, and predict its future dynamics, we carried out fieldwork at Hacettepe University’s Beytepe Campus Together with our intern team, we collected data in the pilot area of our research. 🌸

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Beautiful days of fieldwork! Our PI Çağatay Tavşanoğlu @ctavsanoglu.bsky.social explored alpine habitats & plant communities in Hasandağı (~ 3250 m) in centeral Anatolia with Jalil Noroozi and Golshan Zare.  Thanks to both for the great collaboration and inspiring exchange! 🌱

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

This Monday we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Jalil Noroozi (Univ. of Vienna) in our lab for a discussion on his recent paper: “Plant endemic diversity in the Irano-Anatolian hotspot is dramatically threatened by future climate change” (Moradi et al. 2025) 🌍🌿

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

🎉 Two great recognitions for our lab at #EEBST2025! 🏅 MSc Thesis Award — Mehmet Göktuğ Öztürk 🎤 Best Oral Presentation Award — Nurbahar Usta @nurbaharusta.bsky.social Congratulations to both for their outstanding work and contributions! 👏🌿

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

🌼 “Pollinator Assemblages as Drivers of Plant Range: Evidence from a Marl Steppe in Central Anatolia” was presented at #EEBST2025 by Gülseli Kırgıl @gulselinsect.bsky.social 🌾🪰

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

🎤 “Effect of Crown Fires on Temperate Mixed Forests of Northeastern Anatolia: A Modeling Approach” was presented today at #EEBST2025 by Anıl Bahar 🔥🌲

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

🔥 “Community Composition and Resistance Levels of Soil Bacteria and Fungi in a Mediterranean Forest Under Varying Wildfire Severities” was presented today at #EEBST2025 by Bedirhan Avdancı. 🧫🌿

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 12/07/2025

🌲 “Trojan Fir under Climate Warming: A Facilitator Species Facing Regeneration Limits” was presented at #EEBST2025 by Nurbahar Usta, PhD researcher in our lab - and received the Best Oral Presentation Award! 🔥✨ Congrats to: @nurbaharusta.bsky.social

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

🎤 “The Intellectual Evolution of Ecology: Paradigm Shifts and Current Trends” was presented today at #EEBST2025 by Prof. Dr. Çağatay Tavşanoğlu, our principal investigator.

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HU Functional Ecology Lab. @funecolhu.bsky.social · 28/06/2025

🎉 We’ve got great news! Our teammate Gülseli Kırgıl successfully defended her master’s thesis on June 16 and is now officially a graduate! 👩‍🎓✨ 🐝🌸Thesis title: Patterns of insect pollinator diversity in rare and common plants growing in a marl steppe habitat in Central Anatolia Congrats Gülseli! 🌿

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