Population and phylogenomics of a snail radiation in Sulawesi’s ancient Malili lakes

• Applicant: Dr. Björn Stelbrink
• Subject Area: Systematics and Morphology (Zoology) ; Evolution, Anthropology ; Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
• Term: from 2019 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 429588538

The aim of this research is to better understand the genomic basis of species radiations and the role of trophic specialization in shaping the present biodiversity in Sulawesi’s ancient Malili lakes. More specifically, population and phylogenomics data based on RADseq methods that are intended to be generated and analyzed in the course of this project will help to disentangle phylogenetic relationships of Tylomelania species on both the species and population level. These data will provide first insights into when species and populations started to diversify and when intra-lacustrine and lacustrine-riverine hybridization events have occurred. Temporal information about the origin and diversification of a species flock is a crucial aspect in the study of these ancient lake radiations.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: Switzerland
• Host: Professor Dr. Walter Salzburger