Genomics, Adaptation and Behaviour

Our lab aims to test fundamental hypotheses in genetics and evolutionary biology.

Principally, we are interested the relationship between genotypic and phenotypic change during adaptive evolution. This line of inquiry requires an understanding of both the type of selection acting on traits as they evolve and also ultimately the functional polymorphisms available for selection to act upon. At the present time we are interested in studying phenotypes that have behavioral consequences such as mating display traits because of the very different kinds of selective processes that they experience compared with other traits. We presently use both native and exotic species of Drosophila in our work but will consider collaborative study of non-model organisms that represent examples of recurring ecological and evolutionary phenomena.

We are equipped to use a broad range of techniques in our investigations including experimental evolution, field-based selection studies, quantitative genetics, molecular population genetics, genomics and advanced quantitative methods in statistics and computational biology. The broad range of techniques available to our group provides students with a unique opportunity to broaden their skill sets as they address fundamental questions.

Current Projects

How can sexual dimorphism evolve when males and females share a genome?

The genetic basis of reproductive character displacement

Dissecting the genetic architecture of a mate recognition system

Why does mutual mate choice evolve?

The evolution of clines in sexual display traits

Awards:

UQ Foundation: Research Excellence Award, awarded 20/9/2006

Selected Publications:

Chenoweth, S.F. and Blows, M.W. (2006). Dissecting the complex genetic basis of mate choice. Nature Reviews Genetics 7:681-692.

Chenoweth, S.F., Doughty, P. and Kokko, H. (2006). Can non-directional mate mating preferences allow for honest female ornamentation? Ecology Letters 9:179-174.

Chenoweth, S.F. and Blows M.W. (2005). Contrasting mutual sexual selection on homologous signal traits in Drosophila serrata. The American Naturalist 165:281-289.

Rundle, H. D., Chenoweth, S.F. Doughty, P. and Blows, M. W. (2005). Divergent selection and the evolution of signal traits and mating preferences. PLoS Biology 3(11): 1988-1995.

Chenoweth, S. F., and Blows, M.W. (2003). Signal trait sexual dimorphism and mutual sexual selection in Drosophila serrata. Evolution 57:2326-2334.

Professional Associations:

The American Society of Naturalists

Society for the Study of Evolution

The Australasian Evolution Society

Genetics Society of Australia

Funded Projects:

A genomic dissection of natural adaptation in mate recognition

ARC, 2006-2010, $680,000

Natural selection on mate recognition in field populations of Drosophila serrata

ARC, 2003-2005, $225,000

The Genetic Basis of Differences Between the Sexes

ARC, 2007-2011, $838,000

Student Projects Available:

A comparative study of clines in cuticular hydrocarbons in Drosophila

Student Level: PhD Start Year: 2006 Sem Available: 2

Dissecting the genetic basis of reproductive character displacement

Student Level: PhD Start Year: 2006 Sem Available: 2

Finding genes for mating behaviour

Student Level: PhD Start Year: 2007 Sem Available: 1

How strong is sexual conflict in natural and experimental populations of Drosophila?

Student Level: Honours Start Year: 2007 Sem Available: 1

Mapping major effect mutations that affect sexual behaviour

Student Level: Honours Start Year: 2007 Sem Available: 1

Molecular population genetics of candiate genes for sexual display traits

Student Level: Honours Start Year: 2007 Sem Available: 1

Understanding the genetic basis of sexual dimorphism

Student Level: PhD Start Year: 2006 Sem Available: 2

Research Collaborators:

BLOWS Mark - Evolutionary Quantitative Genetics.
RUNDLE, Howard
BONDURIANSKY, Russell

Students:

HIGGIE Megan - PhD
FOLEY Brad - PhD
PETFIELD Donna - PhD
CONDON Catriona - PhD
YE Yi Xin - PhD
THOMSON Jeffrey - BSc(Hons)