Evolution

The Evolution Group at the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus uses a wide range of approaches and organisms to understand how selection has shaped biodiversity.  This includes employing broad scale comparative approaches across large numbers of species, and focused single species studies, theoretical models investigating what is and is not likely to occur in response to selection, and modern molecular genetic techniques to dissect evolution at the level of the gene.  We use experimental evolution to investigate how changes in mating patterns or environment can drive rapid evolutionary adaptation and our study organisms include microbes, insects, reptiles, birds and mammals.

Current research includes studies of aging, host-parasite coevolution, the genetic basis of mimicry, parental care, selfish genes, sexual selection and conflict, speciation and life-history and developmental trade-offs.

Our work is closely integrated with that of the Behaviour and Ecology and Conservation group and includes attempts to measure natural and sexual selection in wild animal populations.

Research funding

Substantial research funding is present in the group from: