Evolutionary Biology Group

The Evolutionary Biology Group represents a major research centre in the University. We focus on the molecular analysis of population subdivision and speciation patterns, with a strong integration of population genetic, phylogenetic, behavioural and quantitative genetic approaches to address evolutionary and ecological questions. Our research examines the varied processes which shape individual, population and species diversity and may be described under the following headings:

Colonisation and dispersal

Keywords: Invasive species, phylogeographics history, experimental evolution and colonisation dynamics, demographic processes affecting population genetics

Visit the pages of Bernd Hänfling, Africa Gómez, Lori Lawson Handley and  Dave Lunt.

Conservation and biodiversity

Keywords: Speciation, DNA barcoding, cryptic species, hybridisation and reproductive mode, phylogeography, conservation genetics, ancient DNA

Visit the pages of Bill Hutchinson, Bernd Hänfling, Domino Joyce, Lesley Morrell, Africa Gómez, Dave Lunt  and Lori Lawson Handley.

Bioinformatics and Molecular Evolution

Keywords: Keywords: Bioinformatics, software development, gene duplication, genomics and the genomic basis of adaptive ecological  change.

Visit the software pages, and the pages of Dave Lunt, Bill Hutchinson and Chris Venditti

Phylogenetics & Macroevolution

Keywords: Evolutionary genomics, comparative methods in phylogenetics, phenotypic evolution, tempo and mode of speciation.

Visit the pages of Chris Venditti, Isabella Capellini and Dave Lunt

Behavioural Ecology and Evolution

Keywords: Sexual selection and mate choice, speciation, aggregation behaviour, extended phenotypes, conflict resolution.

Visit the pages of Lesley Morrell, and Domino Joyce

Facilities such as the Genome Analysis Suite and the Bioinformatics Laboratory provide the resources to explore a wide range of genomic techniques and to employ powerful modern analyses. We have also developed several software programmes for molecular genetics analysis. See our software page for information. More details of research projects, publications and opportunities can be found on individual staff pages.