Why, where and how: understanding the evolution of recombination rate variation

Our group studies the intra- and inter-species variation in recombination rate and its evolutionary drivers in wild bird populations. Understanding the drivers of recombination rate variation is necessary in interpreting evolutionary phenomena, such as speciation, patterns of genetic variation and populations’ potential to adapt.

We investigate intra-species variation by studying the heritability, genetic basis and fitness effect of individual-level recombination rate in the great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus), with a focus on variation between sexes and its consequences. Second, we investigate inter-species variation by using genome sequencing and pedigree data sets from multiple bird species to study the evolutionary processes and genetic regulation underlying recombination rate variation. Our project will bring novel insights in understanding the evolution of recombination in vertebrates and will therefore be of great interest for a broad audience of evolutionary biologists and geneticists.

Group members:

Suvi Ponnikas, Academy Research Fellow, Principal Investigator

Kristóf Zsolt Tóth, Ph.D. student