PD Dr. Christian Wirkner

Kontakt

Universität Rostock
Institut für Biowissenschaften
Allgemeine und Spezielle Zoologie
Universitätsplatz 2, 18055 Rostock
Tel.: 0381 / 498-6273
Email: christian.wirkner (at) uni-rostock.de

 

Sprechzeiten

nach Vereinbarung

Forschungsschwerpunkte

Evolutionäre Morphologie verschiedener Organsysteme (Kreislaufsystem, Muskulatur etc.) der Arthropoda anhand von Histologie (Semi-dünn-Schnitt-Serien), Korrosionsmethodik, konfkaler Laser-Scanning-Mikroskopie, Microcomputertomographie und 3D-Rekonstruktion. 3D-Funktionsmorphologie ausgewählter Strukturen (z.B. Gelenke des Skorpionsschwanzes, Scheren der Pistolenkrebse). Theorie der evolutionären Morphologie.

Berufliche Tätigkeiten
Apr.2007 – Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter am Lehrstuhl für Allgemeine und Spezielle Zoologie, Universität Rostock
Jan.2005 – Mär.2007 Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter am Institut für Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Jun.1999 – Jul.2001 Technischer Assistent am Department für Evolutionsbiologie, Universität Wien. Aufgabengebiete: Histologie, Elektronenmikroskopie, Grafik
1999 – 2001 Mitarbeit in der Myriapodensammlung des Naturhistorischen Museums Wien; Erstellung eines Typenkatalogs der Chordeumatida
1993 HiWi-Vertrag am Institut für Zoologie II, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg; Forschungsaufgaben
 
Studium und akademische Abschlüsse
Jan. 2018 Habilitation an der Math.-Nat. Fakultät der Universität Rostock
Jul.2001 – Okt.2005 Promotion an der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; Prädikat „Summa cum laude“
Mai 2000 Magister der Naturwissenschaften an der Universität Wien
1994 – 2000 Hauptstudium an der Universität Wien (Zoologie; Nebenfach: Ökologie)
1992 – 1994 Grundstudium Biologie an der Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Publikationen

Jahn, H.; Göpel, T.; Hammel, J.U.; Wirkner, C.S.; Mayer, G. (2023) A multiscale approach reveals elaborate circulatory system and intermittent heartbeat in velvet worms (Onychophora). Communications Biology 6:468. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-04797-z

Michalski, H.; Harms, D.; Runge, J.; Wirkner, C.S. (2022) Evolutionary morphology of coxal musculature in Pseudoscorpiones (Arachnida). Arthropod Structure & Development 69: 101165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asd.2022.101165

Scholz, S.; Göpel, T.; Richter, S.; Wirkner, C.S. (2021) High degree of non-genetic phenotypic variation in the vascular system of crayfish – a discussion of possible causes and implications. Zoomorphology 140: 317-329. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00435-021-00536-2

Günther, A.; Drack, M.; Monod, L.; Wirkner, C.S. (2021): A unique yet technically simple type of joint allows for the high mobility of scorpion tails. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 18: 20210388. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2021.0388

Günther, A.; Monod, L.; Wirkner, C.S. (2021): Comparative morphology of scorpion metasomata (Arachnida, Chelicerata): muscles and cuticle. Arthropod Structure & Development 60: 101003. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asd.2020.101003

Runge, J.; Wirkner, C.S. (2020): Evolutionary and functional substitution of extrinsic musculature in Solifugae (Arachnida). Journal of Morphology 281: 1524-1533. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmor.21260

Ege, Y.; Foth, C.; Baum, D.; Wirkner, C.S.; Richter, S. (2020): Adapting spherical-harmonics-based geometric morphometrics (SPHARM) for 3D images containing large cavity openings using ambient occlusion: a study with hermit crab claw shape variability. Zoomorphology  https://doi.org/10.1007/s00435-020-00488-z

Richter, S.; Göpel, T.; Wirkner, C.S. (2020): Das Morphem: Beschreibungseinheit der Evolutionären Morphologie. Naturwissenschaftliche Rundschau 73: 500-508.

Wendruff, A.J.; Babcock, L.E.; Wirkner, C.S.; Kluessendorf, J.; Mikulic, D.J. (2020): A Silurian ancestral scorpion with fossilised internal anatomy illustrating a pathway to arachnid terrestrialisation. Scientific Reports 10:14 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-56010-z

Göpel, T.; Wirkner, C.S. (2020): The circulatory system of Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931 – lacunar function and a reconsideration of the “open vs. closed system” debate. Journal of Morphology 281: 500-512. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmor.21117

Richter, S.; Wirkner, C.S. (2020): What the Ur-crustacean Looked Like. In: Poore, G. & Thiel, M. (eds.) Evolution and Biogeography (Volume 8 in the Series The Natural History of the Crustacea). Oxford University Press. pp. 1-20.

Huckstorf, K.; Wirkner, C.S. (2019): Comparative morphology of the hemolymph vascular system in mygalomorphs (Araneae; Opisthothelae). Journal of Arachnology 47: 334-343.

Wolff, J. O.; Wiegmann C.; Wirkner, C.S.; Koehnsen A.; Gorb S.N. (2019): Traction reinforcement in prehensile feet of harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones). Journal of Experimental Biology 222: jeb192187.

Runge, J.; Wirkner, C.S. (2019): A unified morphological scenario for the evolution of haemolymph pressure generation in spiders (Araneae: Arachnida). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 186: 353-384.

Göpel, T.; Wirkner, C.S. (2018): Morphological description, character conceptualization and the reconstruction of ancestral states exemplified by the evolution of arthropod hearts. PLoS ONE 13(9): e0201702 .

Scholz, S.; Richter, S.; Wirkner, C.S. (2018): Constant morphological patterns in the hemolymph vascular system of crayfish (Crustacea, Decapoda). Arthropod Structure & Development 47: 248-267.

Klußmann-Fricke, B.-J.; Wirkner, C.S. (2018): Same same but different: A stunning analogy between the tracheal and vascular supply in the CNS of different arachnids. Organisms, Diversity and Evolution 18: 225-239.

Grams, M.; Wirkner, C.S.; Runge, J. (2018): Serial and special: comparison of podomeres and muscles in tactile vs walking legs of whip scorpions (Arachnida, Uropygi). Zoologischer Anzeiger 273: 75-101.

Kaji, T.; Anker, A.; Wirkner, C.S.; Palmer, A.R. (2018): Parallel saltational evolution of ultrafast movements in snapping shrimp claws. Current Biology 28: 106-113.

Richter, S.; Schwentner, M.; Wirkner, C.S.; Ahyong, S.T. (2018): Phylogeny and species diversity of Tasmanian mountain shrimps and their relatives (Crustacea, Anaspidesidae). Zoologica Scripta 47(1): 84–105. 112.

Wirkner, C.S.; Göpel, T.; Runge, J.; Keiler, J.; Klußmann-Fricke, B.-J.; Huckstorf, K.; Scholz, S.; Mikó, I.; Yoder, M.L.; Richter, S.(2017): The first organ-based ontology for arthropods (Ontology of Arthropod Circulatory Systems - OArCS) and its integration into a novel formalization scheme for morphological descriptions. Systematic Biology 66: 754-768.

Keiler, J.; Wirkner, C.S.; Richter, S. (2017): One hundred years of carcinization – the evolution of the crab-like habitus in Anomura (Arthropoda: Crustacea). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 121: 200-222.

Giere, O.; Wirkner, C.S.; Steinmann, D.; Fend, S.; Hoeger, U. (2017): Structural and physiological characteristics of Limnodrilus sulphurensis (Oligochaeta, Annelida) thriving in high sulfide conditions. Hydrobiologia 790: 109-123.

Franz-Guess, S.; Klußmann-Fricke, B.-J.; Wirkner, C.S.; Prendini, L.; Starck, J.M. (2016): Morphology of the tracheal system of camel spiders (Chelicerata: Solifugae) based on micro-CT and 3D-reconstruction in exemplar species from three families. Arthropod Structure & Development 45: 440-451.

Morris, G.K.; Braun, H.; Wirkner, C.S. (2016) Stridulation of the clear-wing meadow katydid Xiphelimum amplipennis, adaptive bandwidth. Bioacoustics 25: 225-251.

Keiler, J.; Richter, S.; Wirkner, C.S. (2016): Revealing their innermost secrets: an evolutionary perspective on the disparity of the organ systems in anomuran crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura). Contributions to Zoology 85(4): 361-386.

KlußmannFricke, B.J.; Wirkner, C.S. (2016): Comparative morphology of the hemolymph vascular system in Uropygi and Amblypygi (Arachnida): Complex correspondences support Arachnopulmonata. Journal of Morphology 277: 1084-1103.

Runge, J.; Wirkner, C.S. (2016): The hemolymph vascular system in Araneus diadematus with special focus on intraspecific variability in artery systems. Journal of Arachnology 44 (2): 153-164.

Paoli, F.; Wirkner, C.S.; Cannicci, S. (2015): The branchiostegal lung of Uca vocans (Decapoda: Ocypodidae): unreported complexity revealed by corrosion casting and MicroCT techniques. Arthropod Structure & Development 44: 622-629.

Wirkner, C.S.; Xylander, W.E.R. (2015): The Diplopoda – The circulatory system.  In: Minelli, A. (ed.), Treatise on Zoology. Myriapoda, volume 2. Brill. Pp. 153-160.

Huckstorf, K.; Michalik, P.; Ramírez, M.J.; Wirkner, C.S. (2015): Evolutionary morphology of the hemolymph vascular system of basal araneomorph spiders (Araneae: Araneomorphae). Arthropod Structure & Development 44: 609-621.

Jaszkowiak, K.; Keiler, J.; Wirkner, C.S.; Richter, S. (2015): The mouth apparatus of Lithodes maja (Crustacea: Decapoda) - form, function and biological role. Acta Zoologica 96: 401-417.

Keiler, J.; Wirkner, C.S.; Richter, S. (2015): The anatomy of the king crab Hapalogaster mertensii Brandt, 1850 (Anomura: Paguroidea: Hapalogastridae) – new insights into the evolutionary transformation of hermit crabs into king crabs. Contributions to Zoology 84: 149-165.

Hilken, G.; Edgecombe, G.D.; Müller, C.H.G.; Sombke, A.; Wirkner, C.S.; Rosenberg, J. (2015): Interaction of the tracheal tubules of Scutigera coleoptrata (Chilopoda, Notostigmophora) with glandular structures of the pericardial septum. ZooKeys 510: 233-242.

Göpel, T.; Wirkner, C.S. (2015): An “ancient” complexity? Evolutionary morphology of the circulatory system in Xiphosura. Zoology 118:221-238.

Stegner, M.E.J.; Stemme T.; Iliffe T.M; Richter S.; Wirkner, C.S. (2015): The brain in three crustaceans from cavernous darkness. BMC Neuroscience 16: 19.

Deans, A.R. et al. (73 co-authors) (2015): Finding our way through phenotypes. PLoS Biology 13: e1002033.

Keiler, J.; Richter, S.; Wirkner, C.S. (2015): Evolutionary morphology of the organ systems in squat lobsters and porcelain crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomala) - an insight into carcinization. Journal of Morphology 276: 1-21.

Klußmann-Fricke, B.-J.; Pomrehn, S.W.; Wirkner, C.S. (2014): A wonderful network unraveled - Detailed description of capillaries in the prosomal ganglion of scorpions. Frontiers in Zoology 11:28.

Richter, S.; Wirkner, C.S. (2014): A research program for Evolutionary Morphology. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research 52: 338-350.

Michalik, P.; Ramírez, M.J.; Wirkner C.S.; Lipke, E. (2014) Morphological evidence for limited sperm production in the enigmatic Tasmanian cave spider Hickmania troglodytes (Austrochilidae, Araneae). Invertebrate Biology 133: 180-187.

Keiler, J.; Richter, S.; Wirkner, C.S. (2013): Evolutionary Morphology of the Hemolymph Vascular System in Hermit and King Crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomala). Journal of Morphology 274: 759-778.

Kenning, M.; Müller, C.; Wirkner, C.S.; Harzsch, S. (2013): The Malacostraca (Crustacea) from a neurophylogenetic perspective: new insights from brain architecture in Nebalia herbstii Leach, 1814 (Leptostraca, Phyllocarida). Zoologischer Anzeiger 252: 319-336.

Dohle, W.; Wirkner, C.S. (2013): Myriapoda, Tausendfüßer. In: Westheide, W.; Rieger, G. (eds.) Spezielle Zoologie. Teil 1. Einzeller und Wirbellose Tiere. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag. pp. 547-560.

Richter, S.; Wirkner, C.S. (2013): Objekte der Morphologie.  In:  Bruhn M.,  Scholtz G. (eds.) Morphologien. Bildwelten des Wissens 9.2. Akademie Verlag Berlin. pp. 93-97.

Wirkner, C.S.; Tögel. M.; Pass, G. (2013): The Arthropod Circulatory System. In: Minelli, A.; Boxshall, G.; Fusco, G. (eds.) Arthropod Biology and Evolution -Molecules, Development, Morphology. Springer, Heidelberg. pp. 343-391.

Wirkner, C.S.; Huckstorf, K. (2013): The circulatory system of spiders. In: Nentwig W (ed.) Spider Ecophysiology. Springer, Heidelberg. pp. 15-27.

Wirkner, C.S.; Richter, S. (2013): Respiratory structures and circulatory system design. In: Thiel, M. & Watling, L. (eds.) Functional morphology and diversity (Volume 1 in the Series The Natural History of the Crustacea). Oxford University Press. pp. 376-412.

Huckstorf, K.; Kosok, G.; Seyfarth, E.-A.; Wirkner, C.S. (2013): The hemolymph vascular system in Cupiennius salei (Araneae: Ctenidae). Zoologischer Anzeiger 252: 76-87.

Szucsich, N.U.; Wirkner, C.S.; Pass, G.  (2013): Deconstructing morphology: reply to Scholtz (2010). Acta Zoologica 94: 215–217.

Klußmann-Fricke, B.-J.; Prendini, L.; Wirkner, C.S. (2012): Evolutionary Morphology of the hemolymph vascular system in scorpions: a character analysis. Arthropod Structure & Development 41: 545-560.

Szucsich, N.U.; Pennerstorfer, M.; Wirkner, C.S.  (2011): The mouthparts of Scutigerella immaculata (Symphyla): Correspondences and variation among serially homologous head appendages. Arthropod Structure & Development 40: 105-121.

Huckstorf, K.; Wirkner, C.S. (2011): Comparative morphology of the hemolymph vascular system in Krill (Euphausiacea; Crustacea). Arthropod Structure & Development 40: 39-53.

Hilken, G.; Minelli, A.; Müller, C.H.G.; Rosenberg, J.; Sombke, A.;  Wirkner, C.S. (2011): The Chilopoda – History of research. Chapter 2.  In: Minelli, A. (ed.), Treatise on Zoology. Myriapoda, volume 1. Brill. pp. 22-42.

Hilken, G.; Rosenberg, J.; Sombke, A.;  Wirkner, C.S.;  Müller, C.H.G. (2011): The Chilopoda – The tracheal system. Chapter 7.  In: Minelli, A. (ed.), Treatise on Zoology. Myriapoda, volume 1. Brill. pp. 137-155.

Wirkner, C.S.; Hilken, G.; Rosenberg, J. (2011): The Chilopoda – The circulatory system. Chapter 8  In: Minelli, A. (ed.), Treatise on Zoology. Myriapoda, volume 1. Brill. pp. 157-176.

Wirkner, C.S.; Richter, S.(2010): Evolutionary morphology of the circulatory system in Peracarida (Malacostraca; Crustacea). Cladistics 26: 143-167.

Richter, S.; Møller, O.S.; Wirkner, C.S. (2009): Advances in crustacean phylogenetics. Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 67: 275-286.

Wirkner, C.S. (2009): The circulatory system in Malacostraca – evaluating character evolution on the basis of differing phylogenetic hypotheses. Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 67: 57-70.

Wirkner, C.S.; Richter, S. (2009): The hemolymph vascular system in Tethysbaena argentarii (Thermosbaenacea, Monodellidae) as revealed by 3D reconstruction of semi-thin sections. Journal of Crustacean Biology 29: 13-17.

Müller, H.; Wilkinson, M.; Loader, S.P.; Wirkner, C.S.; Gower, D.J. (2009): Morphology and function of the head in foetal and juvenile Scolecomorphus kirkii (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Scolecomorphidae). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 96: 491-504.

Vogt, G.; Wirkner, C.S.; Richter, S.(2009): Symmetry variation in the heart-descending artery system of the parthenogenetic Marbled Crayfish. Journal of Morphology 207: 221-226.

Wirkner, C.S.; Richter, S.(2008): Morphology of the hemolymph vascular system in Tanaidacea and Cumacea - implications for the relationships of 'core group' Peracarida (Malacostraca; Crustacea). Arthropod Structure & Development 37: 141-154.

Wirkner, C.S.; Prendini, L. (2007): Comparative morphology of the hemolymph vascular system of scorpions - a survey using corrosion casting, MicroCT and 3D-reconstruction. Journal of Morphology 268: 401-413.

Szucsich, N.U.; Wirkner, C.S. (2007): Homology - a synthetic concept of evolutionary robustness of patterns. Zoologica Scripta 36: 281-289.

Wirkner, C.S.; Richter, S.(2007): Comparative analysis of the circulatory system in Amphipoda (Malacostraca, Crustacea). Acta Zoologica 88: 159-171.

Wirkner, C.S.; Richter, S.(2007): The circulatory system and its spatial relations to other major organ systems in Spelaeogriphacea and Mictacea (Malacostraca, Crustacea) – a three-dimensional analysis. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 149: 629-642.

Wirkner, C.S.; Richter, S.(2007): The circulatory system of Mysidacea revisited – implications for the phylogenetic position of Mysida and Lophogastrida (Malacostraca, Crustacea). Journal of Morphology 268: 311-328.

Hilken, G.; Wirkner, C.S.; Rosenberg, J. (2006): On the structure and function of the aortic diverticles in Scutigera coleoptrata (Chilopoda, Scutigeromorpha). The Norwegian Journal of Entomology 53: 107-112.

Wirkner, C.S.; Richter, S.(2004): Improvement of Microanatomical Research by Combining Corrosion Casts With MicroCT and 3D Reconstruction, Exemplified in the Circulatory Organs of the Woodlouse. Microscopy Research and Technique 64: 250-254.

Richter, S.; Wirkner, C.S. (2004): Kontroversen in der phylogenetischen Systematik der Euarthropoda. In: Richter, S.;  Sudhaus, W. (eds.): Kontroversen in der phylogenetischen Systematik der Metazoa. Sitzungsberichte der Gesellschaft Naturforschender Freunde zu Berlin 43: 73-102.

Wirkner, C.S.; Richter, S. (2003): The circulatory system in Phreatoicidea: implications for the isopod ground pattern and peracarid phylogeny. Arthropod Structure & Development 32: 337-347.

Hertel, W.; Wirkner, C.S.; Pass, G. (2002): Studies on the cardiac physiology of Onychophora and Chilopoda. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A 133: 605–609.

Wirkner, C.S.; Pass, G. (2002): The circulatory system in Chilopoda: functional morphology and phylogenetic aspects. Acta Zoologica 83: 193-202.

Wirkner, C.S.; Stagl, V.; Turk, N. (2002): Type specimens of the Chordeumatida in the Natural History Museum Vienna (Diplopoda). Kataloge der wissenschaftlichen Sammlungen des Naturhistorischen Museums in Wien. Band 16: Myriapoda, Heft 1.

Wirkner, C.S.; Pass, G. (2000): Comparative morphology and evolution of the circulatory system in Chilopoda. Fragmenta faunistica Supplement 43: 83-86.

Mitgliedschaften
VBiO
Crustacean Society
Deutsche Zoologische Gesellschaft
Gesellschaft für Biologische Systematik
International Society for Invertebrate Morphology
Verein der Freunde und Förderer der Zoologischen Sammlung Rostock e.V.