Research Group 2: Evolutionary Genetics
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Prof. Dr. Simone Sommer


Evolutionary Genetics
Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin
Evolutionary Ecology
Institute of Biochemistry and Biology
University of Potsdam, Potsdam 

 

 

 

 

Research fields:

My research centres on evolutionary ecology and genetics in natural populations, emphasising the relationship between Behavioural Ecology, Population Biology and Evolutionary & Conservation Genetics. We combine ecological field work with lab analyses (parasite screening, genetics) in a wide range of different mammalian taxa (e.g. rodents, marsupials, lemurs, bats, lagomorphs and carnivores) and have ongoing projects in Africa, Central- and South America, Asia, Australia and Europe. We use genetic as well as genomic approaches to investigate the importance of neutral (microsats, SNPs) and adaptive genetic diversity (MHC, major histocompatibility complex) in evolutionary relevant and adaptive processes, as well as the associated fitness consequences. Specifically, we currently focus on

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Consequences of anthropogenic impact (fragmentation, degradation, climatic changes) and associated ecological changes on behaviour, metapopulation ecology and genetics, microhabitat use and pathogen loads.

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Role of structural MHC variability and expression pattern of innate and adaptive immune relevant genes in host-pathogen interactions, disease resistance and population fitness.

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Mechanisms and benefits of female choice and their consequences on fitness, genetic structure and gene flow.

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Olfactory choice of partners – immune system, MHC-linked olfactory receptors and their adaptive importance for the level of health in mammals.

 

CV and publication list: