Our group takes genomic and developmental approaches to better understand the genetic mechanisms facilitating or hindering trait evolution. In this regard, we are interested in changes spanning from the level of single nucleotides and bio-molecules to entire organisms or populations. See below for some of the major themes represented by our work in horned dung beetles.
Beetle horns exhibit an extraordinary degree of inter- and intra-specific variation. We are exploring the developmental basis for horn shape, size, number, and position at macro- and micro-evolutionary timescales. We are especially interested in the activity of gene networks and cis-regulatory elements in mediating the (often rapid!) evolution of this trait.
Genomic resources, including chromosome-length assemblies, are rapidly accruing for dung beetles and the Coleoptera more broadly. We are taking comparative approaches to describe the genomic basis for unique dung beetle adaptations that have enabled the extreme levels of diversfication within this clade, such as nutritional plasticity, coprophagy, and brood ball construction.
Many dung beetle species exhibit highly sensitive and elaborate responses to developmental nutrition. We are implementing metabolomic approaches to better understand how nutritional signaling and energetics influence the development and evolution of plastic traits.
