Our group takes an integrative approach to determine the genetic and ecological mechanisms central to the origin and maintenance of the spectacular species diversity we see on earth today.
Some of the questions we seek to address include: What is the genetic basis of adaptation to anthropogenic disturbance? What factors structure ecologically relevant variation of the gut microbiota? How do different types of genetic variation affect evolutionary trajectories? How does maximum lifespan vary and why? What is the genetic basis of variation in vertebrate lifespan? Which ecological factors promote species diversification?
To tackle these questions (and more) we integrate large scale population genomics, field collections, and evolution experiments. Most of our ongoing work uses threespine stickleback fish as a model system.
Rennison Lab 