Analysis of the genetic basis of speciation induced by adaptation to new oviposition substrates

Evolution, the constant source of change in the biological world is a force that is enacted on all species. By way of natural selection and adaptation species change over time in the face of challenges. Often these challenges result from the competition for mates and other resources like food. All animals must eat to survive and survive to reproduce so being able to navigate their environments, stay alive and find food are of the outmost importance. When an environment, or niche, becomes too crowded and the fight for space and food becomes too great, species can evolve specific adaptions in order to exploit new niches where resources are abundant and competitors scarce. Upon moving into a new niche however they become isolated from other members of their species and over time as they adapt further to the new niche they diverge, eventually becoming a new species. Associate Professor Aya Takahashi has dedicated her career to understanding evolutionary biology and genetics, and in particular the process of reproductive isolation and evolution of organisms into new species.