Genomic consequences of major ecological transitions in evolution

This honours project asks, ‘what are the genomic consequences of major ecological transitions in evolution’?

The project will use a comparative analysis of whole genome sequences for terrestrial and marine snakes.

Kate's group focuses on speciation, trait evolution and biodiversity discovery/conservation, especially in aquatic snakes. Current projects involve:

• Sequencing sea snake genomes to uncover population history and genomic patterns of speciation.
• Reconstructing morphological evolution in sea snakes, especially the remarkably frequent origin of ‘microcephalic’ burrowing-prey specialists and possible role in promoting reproductive isolation and rapid species diversification.
• Molecular evolution of sensory systems in the transition to aquatic habitats in snakes, including vision, skin photoreception and chemoreception.
• Sea snake conservation genetics and management in partnership with Western Australian trawl fisheries.

Our research has a substantial fieldwork component focused primarily in Indonesia and Western Australia.