Evolutionary Genetics of Sexual Conflict

We are interested in understanding more about the nitty gritty of sexual conflict. An understanding of sexual conflict at a more detailed level will clarify how sexual dimorphism evolves (or doesn't) and whether sexually antagonistic can contribute to the maintenance of genetic variation.

Some of the specific questions that we are trying to answer include (but are not limited to): which particular traits are embroiled in sexual conflict? How important is sexually antagonistic selection relative to other forms of selection? How has the genome been shaped by it, and our current focus - which particular genes experience sexually antagonistic selection?

We are currently using two systems to try to answer these questions. In the lab we work with the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, for which there is such a wealth of genetic tools and knowledge. We are also using human datasets to examine specifically whether we can detect patterns of sexual antagonism in contemporary populations.

Our research program is dependent upon an active and enthusiastic team together with some expert collaborators. We also have generous support from The Royal Society, The European Research Council, and the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsådet).

Ted Morrow (January 2013)