The MH states that rapid population growth combined with local
adaptation upon colonisation of a new habitat results in the
effective monopolisation of resources, yielding a strong priority
effect. This priority effect will be further enhanced by the
presence of resting egg banks. A key premise of the MH is the
idea that resident genotypes in addition to a numerical advantage
also benefit from a selective advantege, since they are on avera-
ge better adapted to local environmental conditions than immi-
grant genotypes due to local adaptation. Until now, the MH itself
remains untested. The main objectives of this project are (1)
an experimental validation of the MH in Daphnia. (2) Comparison
of priority effects and patterns of genetic differentiation
among zooplanktaxa. (3) General comparison of patterns among
different aquatic organisms.