Research themes

Until recently, extensive cross-field research directed at understanding evolutionary processes has been primarily limited to the traditional genetic model organisms. However, recent technological advances provide the molecular and analytical tools enabling similar cross-field studies of evolutionary processes in vertebrate species that have been the focus of considerable ecological research, but are often poorly characterized genetically and physiologically. Therefore, combining genomic, functional and ecological research perspectives can answer crucial unresolved evolutionary questions.

The Centre combines and co-ordinates the research and education efforts of three research groups in the study of evolutionary genetics and physiology mainly in vertebrates. With the combination of knowledge from the different units, and the collaborative studies designed, the whole sequence of evolutionary events from population adaptive responses to their physiological mechanisms and finally to their genetic basis can be elucidated. One important aspect of all the studies is how the recent environmental changes affect different animals and their evolution. Thus, the work has ecotoxicological and conservation biological angle. More specifically, the research of the Centre will focus on the following themes:

1. Genetic architecture of adaptive traits.
The genetics underlying adaptation will be explored, both from a quantitative genetic perspective, and also by identifying and isolating the genes involved in adaptation and adaptive responses. Empirical work, for example QTL mapping of sticklebacks and gulls, will be carried out, as well as methodological developments of models and methods to tease out the components of the genetics architecture from the data.

2. Genetics and physiology of local adaptation.
Local adaptation will be studied, combining measurements of physiological responses to stresses, and their variation between individuals and populations. The combination of physiological and genetic information on the same individuals will be used to find out how adaptation has occurred: for example, where does gene regulation occur, how many genes are involved, and what traits are affected by these genes. Species studied include salmonid fishes, crucian carp and frogs.

3. Population divergence.
Population divergence can take place as a result of local adaptation or genetic drift, but the relative roles of these forces in dictating evolutionary transformations have not been explored in much detail. We will focus on differences between neutral and selective divergence using frogs and sticklebacks and salmonid fishes, as well as the processes of reproductive isolation in flycatchers as models. We will also develop better numerical methods to differentiate between the hypotheses. These are important both for understanding the evolutionary processes that lead to the diversity of life, and also for focussing conservation efforts to maintain this diversity.