Units

Evolutionary Biology and Ecology

Person in charge of the Unit : Oui

Research activities within the Evolutionary Biology and Ecology Unit at the ULB focus on 5 complementary thematics in evolutionary biology.(1) Natural substances produced by organisms from their secondary metabolism play a major role in interactions (intra- or interspecific) between living organisms sharing the same environment. We focus on pheromones involved in conspecific recognition among insects but also on the role of chemicals in insect-plants interactions (chemical defense, chemical mimicry).(2) Problems of biodiversity conservation are studied in local area and in tropical forest ecosystems. At a local scale (Brussels and suburbs), we are interested in distribution and behaviour of endangered species, which require to study potential competitors in expansion (invasive species). Bats, birds and ladybirds belong to the focus groups. In tropical forest, focus groups are termites and ants but also trees, on wich we evaluate biodiversity and its variations depending on natural environment conditions and human activities impact.(3) We evaluate available statistical tools and develop our own to characterize the organization of genetic diversity and identify the processes involved (genetic drift, dispersal, mutation, selection). We use these tools with both plant and animal models. We also study genetic structure of societies and populations of social insects (ants, termites), and their social consequences in terms of reproductive strategies. Phylogeographic studies are conducted, at the interface between populations and species, to gain insights into the geographic distribution of genetic variation and on the mechanisms of speciation. (4) We try to understand the principles that lead evolution of animal societies and the ecological consequences of social life: organisation of societies, reproductive strategies and conflicts within groups. These researches focus on social insects (ants, termites), using several approaches as behaviour, ecology and genetics.(5) Studies of alpha taxonomy (identification and description of genus and species) are made in part for their own interest (inventory of living organisms), but also as a basis for studies on biodiversity estimation. Building of phylogenies, thanks to genetic tools, allows to elaborate evolution outlines for other features: social organisation, behaviour, reproduction

Projetcs

Ecological and evolutionary genomics

Molecular estimation of biodiversity. Species delimitation using DNA sequences. Assembly of genomic data. Chromosome conformation capture. Genome evolution. Evolution of sex and asexuality. Experimental evolution. Biological models: corals, amphipods, bacteria.

Biodiversity, evolution, ecology and reproductive strategies of termites

Establishment of phylogeny, as a basis to understand evolutionary transitions. Specific richness and distribution in tropical ecosystems. Dietary niches, adaptations and ecological function of soil-feeding termites. Evolution of castes, social organisation and reproductive strategies. Symbionts and lignocellulose digestion processes.

Phylogeography, dispersal and speciation in phytophagous insects

Analysis of genetic variation at inter- and intra-species levels. Evolution of species ranges, including in the context of Pleistocene climatic changes. Speciation and hybridization. Evaluation and development of methods to analyze genetic variation in an evolutionary context. Adaptation of phytophagous insects to their host plants.

Evolution, genetics and social organisation

Study of principles governing the evolution of cooperation and animal societies. Analysis of reproductive and dispersal strategies; determination of population and colony genetic structure. Investigation of social conflicts, sexuality and sperm competition. Biological models: social insects.

Plant population genetics and community diversity in tropical rain forests

Phylogeographic studies to reconstruct population evolution in response to past climate changes. Seed and pollen dispersal patterns. DNA barcoding and species delimitation. Phylogenetic and functional structure of plant communities. Modeling in population genetics and community ecology and development of new software for data analyses. Biological models: plants (trees) from African tropical forests.

Genetics, ecology and evolution of social insects

Study of reproductive and dispersal strategies - Analysis of the factors underlying the evolution of sex and mating systems - Analysis of the genetic structure of populations and societies - Study of the ecology and evolution of invasive species - Description of the history of the invasions (geographical origin, invasion pathways, population changes) - Study of the key factors of the invasion success (genetic diversity, life history traits, interaction invasive populations-invaded environments, selective processes).

Chemical Ecology and structural colors of leaf beetles

Palearctic and Neotropical leaf beetles in relation to their phytophagous specialisation. Gold reflectors in Neotropical leaf beetles: ultrastructure and mathematical simulation.