top of page

Morphometry of species complexes

Deciphering the role of complex patterns of floral variation in species evolution

Species complexes often show extensive levels of morphological variability, puzzling hich difficult further studies with such groups. Morphometry offer objective tools to quantify and analyse such great variation, and allowing the joint use of molecular markers and ecological experiments to understand the evolutionary implications of the morphological variation among individuals, populations and species. 

Phylogeography of plant species from open habitats

Investigating contrasting demographic histories in co-occurring taxa

Recent studies have shown that Neotropical species from open habitats shown contrasting demographic signatures (fragmentation, expansion, stability) in response to past climatic fluctuations (glacial/interglacial periods). The joint use of specific molecular markers, analytical tools and ecological experiments can clarify the evolutionary scenario in which many species groups diversified.

 

 

Species cohesion and evolutionary consequences of natural hybridization

How species keep their identities even experiencing high levels of interespecific gene flow and permeable reproductive barriers

Sympatric populations often show high levels of hybridization, and such zones constitute excellent natural laboratories to study the role of reproductive barriers and selection for divergent habitats as potential isolation mechanisms. 

The evolution of reproductive isolation among populations and lineages

Detecting early stages of speciation

Different levels of outbreeding depression can be found among natural populations. Genetic conflicts accumulated among these populations deeply affect the reproductive compatibility of such populations. The investigation of reproductive barriers within species can provide insight into the processes operating during the earliest stages of speciation, as the origin and fixation of genetic characters are properties of population-level processes.

Please reload

bottom of page