Speciation with gene flow, assortative mating and chemical senses: insights from genomics

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• Carole Smadja, Institute of Evolutionary Science of Montpellier, France
• Tuesday 18 March 2025, 13:00-14:00
• Part II Lecture Theatre, Department of Zoology.

If you have a question about this talk, please contact Henry North.

My research focuses primarily on speciation, with a particular interest in the mechanisms and factors that drive the evolution of reproductive isolation despite ongoing gene flow. In this context, I specifically investigate how traits involved in assortative mating evolve and the role of selection and genetic architecture in promoting their divergence under gene flow conditions. To address these questions, I study biological systems where reproductive isolation has been maintained—or even reinforced—despite genetic exchange, with a special focus on two model organisms: the house mouse and the pea aphid. These species not only provide examples of divergence in the face of gene flow but share a key feature: chemical recognition mechanisms play a crucial role in mating behaviours that induce assortative mating.

In this seminar, I will present recent advances from my research on these systems, using population genomics approaches to investigate the genetic basis of reproductive isolation. By integrating whole-genome analyses with functional predictions, we identify candidate genes—particularly olfactory and gustatory receptors—that are likely to contribute to reproductive isolation. Furthermore, our findings reveal genetic architectures that facilitate the persistence of divergence in the face of gene flow, offering novel insights into the complex interplay between selection and genomic organisation in speciation.

This talk is part of the Zoology Departmental Seminar Series series.

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• Part II Lecture Theatre, Department of Zoology
• Zoology Departmental Seminar Series

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