Local adaptation of populations : deciphering the role of sexual reproduction

According to evolutionary biology, adaptation of a population to a new environment results from an equilibrium between various trends. Adaptation is shaped by selection forces, such as fecundity, mortality and competition for resources, by migration, and by the generation of diversity at reproduction. The type of reproduction, whether it is mainly clonal (asexual) or it involves two parents (sexual), drives the structure of diversity which is created. When the relative diversity is low in comparison to the other biological phenomena, evolution is expected to occurs on a long time horizon. Mathematical analysis enables to predict the long-term dynamic and asymptotic state of the population. Also, precise knowledge about biological processes can often bring new intuitions to the mathematical analysis strategy. Combining theses two points of view on the problem of local adaptation with sexual reproduction is therefore the aim of this project.The focus will be put on spatial effects: how migration of individuals and hybridization with endemic populations shape the local adaptation of species.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sarah Otto

Student:

Partner:

École normale supérieure de Lyon

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

Life Sciences (not health); Environmental Science and Technology

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: