Phenotypic Evolution and Adaptation

We are an evolutionary biology group with a particular focus on molecular evolution, population genetics and evolutionary developmental biology.

Currently, our research aims to provide a better understanding of the genetic basis of complex quantitative traits and the evolutionary processes responsible for their evolution.

Our work on Drosophila eyes and male genitalia has revealed new genes and developmental processes that contributed to divergence between some of the species of the Drosophila melanogaster species subgroup. We are continuing this work to build the gene regulatory network underlying the morphological diversification of these traits and test the functional and fitness effects of individual genes and mutations.