Research

Cichlid egg-spots are a striking, sexually selected trait that are important for courtship. They exhibit remarkable diversity both between and within species, and are therefore ideal for understanding trait emergence and diversification. We utilise a variety of methods including population genomics, hybrid crosses, and developmental genetics to better understand how egg-spots originally evolved, and how they continue to diversify to this day. 

Contributors: Aaron Hickey, Bethan Clark, Joel Elkin, Suhaib Yatoo

How do environmentally-induced phenotypes contribute to adaptive evolution? How does phenotypic plasticity interact with genetic change? The plasticity-first hypothesis of evolution states that plasticity may precede genetic divergence in the adaptation to novel environments, although this idea remains controversial. Using two diverging ecomorphs native to Lake Masoko/Kisiba, we combine phenotypic, genomic, and behavioural data  to identify variation in environmental responsivenezss and if this correlates with genomic signatures of adaptation. 

Contributors: Connie Whiting

Sexual selection and sexual conflict are fundamental drivers of evolution, shaping the striking differences between sexes and leading to the evolution of exaggerated male ornaments. These traits represent some of the most remarkable within-species variation, and primarily result from genomic variation that is shared between males and females. This can lead to genomic conflicts that arise due to divergent reproductive fitness or survival optima for each of the sexes.  Here we are exploring the developmental basis of sexual dimorphism, the genomic signatures of sexual conflict and whether these contribute to the maintenance of variation in male ornaments. 

Contributors: Bettina Fischer, Emília Santos

The neural crest is at the origin of important vertebrate adaptive traits, such as craniofacial morphologies and pigmentation patterns. Using a comparative approach, we study neural crest evolution in Malawi cichlids, with a special focus on the microevolutionary implications of cranial neural crest development . Current work aims to explore the impact of neural crest-related genes over craniofacial development and diversification.

Contributors:  Aleksandra Marconi, Patrícia Duarte

Brains and sensory systems of fishes exhibit remarkable variation between species, correlated with the characteristics of their habitats, social ecology and diets. However, the genetic and developmental underpinnings of this adaptive diversity remain largely unknown. In this project, we leverage the eco-morphological diversity of Lake Malawi cichlid radiation to investigate the genetic factors and processes of early development that generate adult brain and lateral line variation in multiple divergent species.

Contributors:  Aleksandra Marconi, Jake Morris

Thyroid hormones are conserved regulators of various physiological processes, including development, metabolism, and seasonality. These hormones play a pivotal role in mediating developmental plasticity integrating a variety of morphological and physiological phenotypes. We integrate endocrinology, genetics, genomics and ecology to understand how thyroid hormone signalling influences phenotypic plasticity and uncover its potential as a driver of diversification. 

Contributors:  Aaron Hickey, Tereza Maxerova