The “creation” of new and distinct species in the course of evolution is an ongoing and dynamic process. Distinguishing new species solely on morphological features (i.e. the form or appearance of an organism) is a challenging endeavour, but with new molecular tools characterizing populations and species becomes much more reliable. Population and speciation genetic studies help to protect new species and their fragile populations as well as conserve their unique genetic innovations. To understand more about the process of speciation check out this great explanation by the University of California, Berkeley.
In Episode One of the MEME Stream, we talk to the past MEME student Daniel Méndez Aranda (cohort 2013-2015). During his final semester of the MEME Programme, Daniel studied the population and speciation genetics of Moroccan Spiny-footed lizards (Acanthodactylus erythrurus) and managed to provide genetic evidence for at least two new sub-species. Daniel carried out this research withProfessor Pierre-André CROCHET Crochet at the CNRS Center of Functional Ecology and Evolution, in Montpellier, France. The work is being prepared for publication so be sure to follow Daniel on Twitter to get updates! Right now, Daniel is a 3rd year PhD student at the Max Plank Institute for Ornithology in Professor Maude Baldwin’s lab. Daniel is interviewed by Merve Öztoprak, who is in her 3rd semester of the MEME programme doing an external project at the Australian National University at the time of recording. During this interview, Merve and Daniel will discuss the importance of genetics for conservation, science ethics, life as a MEME and how the MEME programme has impacted and prepared Daniel for a scientific career. Written by Merve Öztoprak
Check out Daniel's Twitter here!
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Daniel during the time of his project in Montpellier climbing Pic Saint Loup (left). The study specimen the Moroccan Spiny-Footed Lizard (middle). Merve and Daniel after their interview in Montpellier (right).
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About the MEME StreamA podcast following MEME students past and present on their adaptive walks of life as they embark on a career in evolutionary biology. The MEME is a unique masters program that enables upcoming evolutionary biologists from all over the globe to study and research in Europe. These podcasts will travel all over Europe and the world, leaping, as Richard Dawkins says, from brain to brain, MEME to MEME, telling tales of our scientific ventures and research projects. ArchivesCategories |