Molecular ecology and conservation biology

Chief Investigators: Bill Sherwin, Karen Firestone 

Genetic variation provides the raw material underpinning all evolutionary processes.
The Molecular Ecology and Conservation Biology group focuses on the study of this genetic variation in a diverse range of research areas including:


Conservation biology


● Monitoring and managing the genetic component of biodiversity
● Demographic modelling
● Conservation priority setting


Biogeography and phylogeny of wild populations


● Determining management units, evolutionary significant units and other population genetic boundaries for conservation management.


Genetic determinants of social behaviour 


Laboratory and computer simulations


● Evaluating molecular techniques used for monitoring population processes
● Testing models of population processes


Non-invasive biology


● Acquiring genetic data from DNA extracted from non-invasive and sub-optimal sources including museum specimens, dried skins, faeces, bones, feathers and other trace samples and ancient tissues
Species studied include marsupials, cetaceans, birds, rats, flies and trees.

BEES hosts the Molecular Evolution and Ecology Facility (MEEF), which together with the UNSW Ramaciotti Centre, provides a full range of molecular tools for evolutionary biologists.

For more information, see our website.

 

Relatedness and social networks in female bottlenose dolphins

Celine Frere, Richard Connor, Janet Mann, Michael Krützen, William B. Sherwin

Female bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay appear to form ‘bands’ but these associations are highly variable and not as strong as those among male dolphins in this population. We are investigating the social structure of these females to discover how genetic relatedness affects association patterns.

 

Measurement of biological information: from genes to landscapes

Diversity of biological information is usually studied at a single level - be that molecules, species, or ecological communities. We suggest using Shannon’s SH as a common index at multiple levels. We have developed a new null theory to predict expected values for this index under given genetic and demographic conditions. Use of this index in conjunction with other existing indices will offer powerful insights into the genetic processes important in speciation.

 

Further reading


Sherwin, W. B., F. Jabot, R. Rush, and M. Rossetto. 2006. Measurement of biological information with applications from genes to landscapes. Molecular Ecology, 15: 2857-2869.

 

Empirical evaluation of methods to estimate genetic differentiation

Clare E. Holleley, William B. Sherwin and Richard A. Nichols

Selection, mutation, recombination, and genetic drift act to shape genetic differentiation between populations. A  wide range of methods are available for estimating genetic differentiation but none have been formally tested with real populations. Using Drosophila melanogaster in replicated, controlled experiments, we will validate and improve on commonly-used methods to quantify genetic differentiation between populations.

 

Evolution and DNA taxonomy of rare deep-diving whales

Dalebout, M. L., C. S. Baker, D. Steel et al. (in press). A divergent mtDNA lineage among Mesoplodon beaked whales: molecular evidence for a new whale in the Tropical Pacific? Marine Mammal Science.

Dalebout, M. L., K. M. Robertson, S. J. Chivers, and A. Samuels (in press). DNA identification and the impact of Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing on rare whales in Micronesian waters. Micronesica.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DNA identification of beaked whales is relatively straight forward due to consistent patterns of low within-species variation and high between-species divergence. (From Dalebout et al. (in press).

Population genetics of an invasive pest species: starlings in Australia

Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were introduced to eastern Australia in the mid-19th Century, first reached Western Australia (WA) in the late 20th Century, and are currently establishing new populations on the western edge of the range expansion.  Analysis of the genetic signature of populations sampled across their range will provide us with crucial information for management agencies regarding the number of invasion events into WA, their origins, and the presence of barriers to migration.

  Sampling starlings in South Australia (top) and large eastern quoll in Tasmania (right).
Further reading

Rollins, L. A., A. P. Woolnough, and W. B. Sherwin. 2006. Population genetic tools for pest management: a review. Wildlife Research, 33:251-261.

 

Conservation Genetics of Australian Quolls

Maria Cardoso and Karen Firestone

Quolls (Dasyurus spp.) have declined markedly in their distribution since European colonisation of Australia. Through analysis of genetic population structure for all four Australian quoll species, combined with ecological studies, we will provide wildlife managers with a robust scientific framework to ensure the success of conservation strategies for these unique species.

 
Phylogeography of New Guinea mammals

Steve Hamilton and Karen Firestone

Little is known about the two quoll species endemic to New Guinea. We are using genetic markers to elucidate patterns of speciation in these species. The phylogeography of several other Austral-Papuan mammals is also being investigated to enhance our understanding of the role of climatic cycles and land bridges in evolution and diversification.
 

Austral-Papuan mammals

Bottlenose dolphin in Shark Bay, WA