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SUMMARY:Speciation with gene flow\, assortative mating and chemical senses
 : insights from genomics - Carole Smadja\, Institute of Evolutionary Scien
 ce of Montpellier\, France
DTSTART:20250318T130000Z
DTEND:20250318T140000Z
UID:TALK229252@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Henry North
DESCRIPTION:My research focuses primarily on speciation\, with a particula
 r interest in the mechanisms and factors that drive the evolution of repro
 ductive isolation despite ongoing gene flow. In this context\, I specifica
 lly investigate how traits involved in assortative mating evolve and the r
 ole of selection and genetic architecture in promoting their divergence un
 der gene flow conditions. To address these questions\, I study biological 
 systems where reproductive isolation has been maintained—or even reinfor
 ced—despite genetic exchange\, with a special focus on two model organis
 ms: the house mouse and the pea aphid. These species not only provide exam
 ples of divergence in the face of gene flow but share a key feature: chemi
 cal recognition mechanisms play a crucial role in mating behaviours that i
 nduce assortative mating.\n\nIn this seminar\, I will present recent advan
 ces from my research on these systems\, using population genomics approach
 es to investigate the genetic basis of reproductive isolation. By integrat
 ing whole-genome analyses with functional predictions\, we identify candid
 ate genes—particularly olfactory and gustatory receptors—that are like
 ly to contribute to reproductive isolation. Furthermore\, our findings rev
 eal genetic architectures that facilitate the persistence of divergence in
  the face of gene flow\, offering novel insights into the complex interpla
 y between selection and genomic organisation in speciation.
LOCATION:Part II Lecture Theatre\, Department of Zoology
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