- ​Questions and Approaches -

We investigate a range of questions relating to adaptive evolution, from the influence of the environment on natural selection and on the expression of phenotypes (phenotypic plasticity), to the genetic architecture of responses to selection, or the consequences of evolution for population growth and extinction risk in changing environments. We use a diversity of approaches, as detailed below. 
​(For the specifics of any of these projects , see the publication list)

Theory

Theoretical models enable us to ask general questions about evolutionary processes. Their analysis can guide our intuition and improve our understanding of these processes, as well as providing quantitative and qualitative predictions that can be tested empirically. We use population and quantitative genetic  models to study adaptation to changing environments, notably:
  • Evolution of plasticity
  • Evolutionary rescue and eco-evolutionary dynamics
  • Genetics of adaptation and parallel evolution
  • Ecological speciation
More recently we've also been interested in macroevolution,  in particular species selection

Laboratory experiments

We use experiments in controled conditions to test or refine some of the predictions made by theory, or reveal new interesting biology that may challenge our current understanding of ecology and evolution.  We work with extremophiles, because they have simple niches that largely consist of adaptation to a major axis of variation in their abioitic environment. Recent and ongoing projects include:
  • Experimental evolution of plastic traits underlying salinity tolerance in the halophile microalga Dunaliella salina, under fluctuating salinity
  • Determinants of salinity tolerance in the brine shrimp Artemia: microbiota effects on the niche, ontogeny of tolerance curves...
​

Analysis of natural populations

Long-term studies of natural populations allow observation of contemporary evolution in real conditions, and are therefore extremely valuable for testing and quantifying evolutionary predictions. Such investigations may also be carried out retrospectively, by analyzing resting stages, such as diapaused eggs from the sediments. Recent or current projects include:
  • Analyses of genetic and phenotypic structure through time, space, and environments, for Dunaliella salina in the Gruissan saltern near Montpellier. 
  • Measurement of fluctuating phenotypic selection in vertebrates. In particular, the autocorrelation of selection affects its predictability, and the likelihood that current responses to selection are beneficial in future environments. 
  • Selection on plasticity in the wild.

- Projects and Grants -

Ongoing

 FluctEvol ​(PI: 2016-2021).  ​ERC Starting Grant

Evolution and demography in randomly changing environment, from genes to phenotypes and populations.
​Includes experimental evolution of the microalga Dunaliella salina in a stochastic environment.

Completed

 EvolMarin (Partner: 2015-2018)  ​Marie S. Curie Action

Combined effect of transgenerational plasticity and evolution in response to stress in a marine polychaete.
Project led by Glora Massambe N'siala.

 ContempEvol (PI: 2011-2015).  ANR Retour PostDoc

Theoretical predictions, experiments and analysis of natural populations for a better understanding of the dynamics of contemporary evolution and population growth in changing environments.