The ecological and genetic drivers of divergence

• Applicant: Zhijie Zhang, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Plants and Ecosystems
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 508152021

The extraordinary diversity of life supports the ecosystem that we rely on. Although we have learned a lot about evolution since Charles Darwin, our knowledge on the origin of diversity is still very limited. In this project, I aim to (1) test whether and to what extent divergence (the accumulation of differences) between two competing species is driven by selection from interspecific competition and environmental heterogeneity, two widely accepted potential ecological mechanisms that have rarely been tested jointly; and to (2) identify the genetic basis underlying divergence. By combining experimental evolution and the framework of Modern Coexistence theory, I will be able to quantify evolutionary divergence between pairs of green algae species in homogeneous or heterogeneous environments. By linking the phenotypic evolutionary divergence with whole-genome sequencing data of populations that will be collected at different time points, I will be able to identify potential genes that are under selection. This project will provide novel insights into how species diverge. In addition, the findings will have implications for how evolution affects coexistence, which aids the maintenance of biodiversity.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants