Emília Santos

We are interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying the evolution of organismal diversity (eco-evo-devo) using East African cichlid fishes as a model system.

 

Research Area

Broadly, I am interested in understanding the mechanisms underpinning organismal diversification. I want to understand why and how organismal diversity emerges. At the moment, I am specifically focussing on the genetic and developmental mechanisms underlying variation in sexually selected pigmentation ornaments in cichlid fishes. Cichlid fishes are one of the most diverse group of vertebrates and represent one of the most popular examples of vertebrate adaptive radiations. In the East African lakes there are over 1500 species, which are genetically very similar, but morphological very diverse. This system tractability is ideal to genetically map trait variation and also allows for the use of developmental genetic tools.

 

Project Interests

We are particularly keen in co-developing projects on the following areas:

1) The genetic and developmental basis of intra-specific male pigmentation ornament variation to uncover how is variation maintained in sexually selected traits.

2) The genetic and developmental basis of inter-specific ornament variation. We are testing if the same genes, cells and developmental processes underlying population variation contribute to the speciation process.

3) Genomic and developmental basis of sexual dimorphism and sexual conflict between sexes.

4) Interplay between genetic adaptation and phenotypic plasticity during the rapid adaptation of colour ornaments to novel light environments.