Sex chromosomes and speciation: chromosome inversion and the large Z-effect. This project aims to understand the divergence of species and the importance of two genomic features of often disproportionately large effect between young taxa – the sex chromosomes, and chromosome inversions. The research will integrate genomics and transcriptomics with the study of traits closely aligned to speciation in birds – song, colour, and sperm morphology and protein composition. The project will provide sign ....Sex chromosomes and speciation: chromosome inversion and the large Z-effect. This project aims to understand the divergence of species and the importance of two genomic features of often disproportionately large effect between young taxa – the sex chromosomes, and chromosome inversions. The research will integrate genomics and transcriptomics with the study of traits closely aligned to speciation in birds – song, colour, and sperm morphology and protein composition. The project will provide significant benefits such as enhancing Australia’s strength in the field of evolutionary biology.Read moreRead less
The evolution of generalism: why so many polyphagous fruit flies? This project aims to understand why flies that cause maggoty fruit have so frequently evolved the generalist feeding habitat. Insect herbivores make up 50 per cent of eukaryotic species on earth. Nearly all are host specialists, feeding on only one or very few plant species. In stark contrast, 40 per cent of tropical fruit flies are generalists, feeding across many plant families. This project aims to test specific hypotheses to e ....The evolution of generalism: why so many polyphagous fruit flies? This project aims to understand why flies that cause maggoty fruit have so frequently evolved the generalist feeding habitat. Insect herbivores make up 50 per cent of eukaryotic species on earth. Nearly all are host specialists, feeding on only one or very few plant species. In stark contrast, 40 per cent of tropical fruit flies are generalists, feeding across many plant families. This project aims to test specific hypotheses to explain the high frequency of generalism in Bactrocera. Outcomes will significantly advance understanding of the evolution of generalism, and so greatly advance herbivory theory. As Bactrocera are also globally significant horticultural pests, the project will provide under-pinning science for pest management.Read moreRead less
Cuckoo - host coevolution: a model system for investigating the impact of climate change on interspecific interactions and biodiversity. Climate change is causing alterations to the timing of breeding and migration in Australian birds, resulting in mismatches in timing between closely interacting species. This project will assess the impact of climate change on interactions between parasitic cuckoos, hosts and prey and formulate predictions about the long-term viability of these species.