The role of genome reorganisation in adaptation and speciation. Local adaptation and speciation are fundamental evolutionary processes that rely on changes to the genome. However, the role of genome

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The role of genome reorganisation in adaptation and speciation. Local adaptation and speciation are fundamental evolutionary processes that rely on changes to the genome. However, the role of genome architecture (e.g. chromosomal rearrangements, gene duplications) in driving these processes is poorly understood. This project will use advanced comparative genomics and bioinformatics to examine the role of chromosome rearrangements in driving adaptation and speciation, and evaluate rates of molecular evolution between the X-chromosome and autosomes. Utilising Australia’s endemic mammalian fauna as a tractable model system, I will link population processes with macro-evolutionary outcomes to show how genome architecture underpins biodiversity.. Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 0603 - Evolutionary Biology. Lead: Dr Sally Potter