Evolutionary genetics of geographic range changes |
|
The evolutionary forces structuring geographic ranges and their limits are poorly understood features of a species’ biology. Why are some species so widespread while others remain restricted and endemic? To what extent do ranges and their limits represent historical contingency versus selective constraint? Are chance events, such as founder effects, or selection the primary force behind evolution during range expansions? My research uses a population genomics approach to study the genetic changes that take place when range limits are in flux. Studying evolution during range changes can inform us about basic research questions such as the importance of selection vs. drift during population divergence and the process of speciation, as well as applied problems such as the evolution of invasiveness and the predicted fate of species under global climate change. |
|
Department of Plant Biology, 250 Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108 |
|
Phone: 612-624-1773, E-mail: kelle913@virginia.edu |
|
Stephen R. Keller Department of Plant Biology University of Minnesota |
|
Best viewed in Internet Explorer v5.0 or higher. |