How animals move: Lecture on the secrets of locomotion!

How animals move: Lecture on the secrets of locomotion!

An important event is coming up at the Free University of Berlin on September 12, 2025. On September 18, 2025, biologist and author Sophia Kimmig will give a lecture entitled "MOVE! How locomotion determines the lives of animals". The focus of this event is on the movement of animals and their important role in nature. The lecture begins at 7 p.m. in lecture hall HS 2 and is organized by the action and participation initiative SUSTAIN IT! and the NUN coordination office. This initiative has provided a platform for sustainable projects at the university and in Berlin since it was founded in 2010.

Sophia Kimmig, whose professional career is anchored in the field of ecology and behavior of wild animals, has made a name for herself as a scientist. Her previous publications, including the SPIEGEL bestseller “Of Foxes and People” (2021) and “Lebendige Nacht” (2023), testify to her commitment to the topics of wildlife movement and nature conservation. The talk will present examples of animal movement such as the arctic fox, butterflies, eels, coastal wolves and storks, highlighting the diversity of locomotion in the animal kingdom.

The importance of locomotion in the animal kingdom

The movement of animals has far-reaching effects on their way of life and on the ecosystems in which they live. ZDF describes that gibbons, for example, live in the treetops of rainforests and move quickly through the branches. Other animal species have also developed particularly adapted forms of locomotion. The basilisk, an American lizard, can walk on water, while whales and fish have evolved fins from their front and hind legs to move efficiently in water.

In addition, squid are able to catapult themselves by quickly expelling water. It also allows bats and flying foxes to fly as mammals. Many insects, especially dragonflies, also perform spectacular flight maneuvers. These different types of locomotion clearly show how animals adapt to their environment and the importance of mobility for survival.

Scientific principles and research

Kimmig's lecture is not only informative, but is also an opportunity to shed light on current research in the field of movement ecology. At this interface between movement ecology, landscape ecology and species conservation, we investigate how movement patterns are influenced by biotic and abiotic factors, including human activities. institution states that such findings are crucial for the development of scientifically based protective measures.

By combining spatial movement data, landscape data from remote sensing and direct observations, a modern analysis of population dynamics is carried out. Dr. Gabriele Cozzi leads this group work to understand how the movements of wild animals are perceived in their environment and how they influence their ecological niches.

Sophia Kimmig's lecture not only promises exciting insights into the world of animal movement, but also stimulates discussion about nature conservation and sustainable development. The event is therefore an important contribution to understanding the complex interactions between animals and their environment.