The biogeographic consequences of sexual and natural selection

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated PhD student for a project The biogeographic consequences of sexual and natural selection. Ever since the 18th Century naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt observed that the number of different species increased as he travelled towards the tropics, biologists and geographers have tried to explain the latitudinal diversity gradient. With increasing numbers of species, we also see a greater diversity of form and function. Why are there so many species in the tropics and how have they become so diverse in form and function? This PhD will address these questions from an evolutionary perspective and ask how the two Darwinian processes of natural and sexual selection can lead to tropical hotspots of biodiversity. Species traits that are under natural and sexual selection can directly affect how fast new species form (speciation, as seen in Darwin’s finches on the Galapagos). The same traits can also determine which species can live together in the same place: when competing for resources (food, habitats, mates) being too similar to other organisms can be a disadvantage. If species evolve different forms they are more likely to be able to co-occur. The key to understanding the diversity of species in the tropics might then be to understand if, how and why species traits evolve at different rates in different parts of the world. Possible directions of research include (i) mapping global distributions of diversity and rates of evolution of ecological and sexually selected traits, (ii) modelling geographic variation in the tempo and mode of divergence within geographic assemblages of species, and (iii) modelling the global variation in alpha and gamma diversity as a function of the rate and diversity of ecological and sexually selected traits 

The project will combine macroevolutionary and macroecological analyses of citizen science generated global trait data bases for birds with computer-based modelling. The student will also become familiar with the use of natural history museum collection, and will acquire important computer and communication skills that are highly transferable. We welcome applications from all candidates with broad interests in ecology and evolution particularly from a “tree of life” perspective.
The project is funded by a Royal Society grant, and covers fees for UK or EU students, in addition to the stipend and research and travel costs.

the project is supervised by Dr Gavin Thomas, Dr Nicola Nadeau and Dr Christopher Cooney

Start date: PhD may commence between 1st April and 30th September 2018

Our research group at the University of Sheffield offers a vibrant scientific environment:
http://macroevolution.group.shef.ac.uk
http://nadeau-lab.group.shef.ac.uk
https://www.christophercooney.co.uk
http://www.projectplumage.org
http://www.markmybird.org

Science Graduate School
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