Ecological Genetics Research Unit

Their research is focused on understanding the mechanisms and process of animal adaptation - or lack of it thereof - to local environmental conditions. Population genetics, genomics, phylogeography, evolutionary quantitative genetics and statistical genetics are approaches which characterize a lot of their research. The main model organisms in their research are birds and fishes, but some work is also done with amphibians and reptiles.

Methods employed in their research include molecular, population and quantitative genetic approaches as well as laboratory and field experiments. Also more theoretical and methodological approaches, such as numerical simulations and development of statistical tools for analyzing inheritance and population differentiation in complex quantitative traits belong to our agenda.

Their research is chiefly fundamental science, but some of the projects have strong applied dimensions. These include studies on conservation genetics, human induced evolution due to harvesting and environmental modification as well as studies on the effects of agriculture and pesticides on amphibian populations.

>> Read more Ecological Genetics Research Unit website

EGRU is part of the Finnish Centre of Excellence in Evolutionary Genetics and Physiology - funded by Academy of Finland.