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Evolving Phylo-Lab |
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Center for Ecological Sciences Indian Institute of Science,
Bangalore 560 012 India |
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We are interested in studying genetic
variation both among species (phylogenetics) and
within species (population genetics) to address questions in ecology,
evolution, behavior and conservation biology. The lab is primarily concerned in trying to
find answers to exiting problems in biology in an evolutionary framework, i.e.,
through the use of molecular phylogenies. Broad areas of interest
include: character evolution, molecular systematics,
phylogeography, and biogeography. In addition
we are also interested in population and conservation genetics. Currently topics of research
are: ·
Devising an operational definition for a species: Using a combination
of molecular, morphological, behavioral, and ecological data to delimit
species. This work will help us in identifying evolutionary significant units
as well as cryptic species. ·
Biogeography and phylogeography: Applying phylogenetic methods to understand past climatic and
geological events that might have shaped the current distribution of fauna
and flora of the Indian subcontinent. ·
Molecular systematics: Using phylogenetic methods to resolve the taxonomy of
problematic groups and using this information in conservation prioritization. ·
Population genetics: Genetic consequence
of habitat fragmentation on endangered species and human mediated gene
flow. We employ a range of systems
such as mammals, lizards, insects, and centipedes to address these questions. |