Mechanisms of ecological divergence

Mechanisms of ecological divergence

Evidence of ecological divergence and even speciation promoted as a by-product of divergent ecological selection is increasingly common in natural systems.  We know relatively little about what role temperature plays in this process, even though we know that temperature plays a critical role in organismal biology.  The goal of my research on the thermal biology of Xiphophorus is to understand the mechanisms that promote adaptation to temperature and the extent to which this influences species diversification.