Objective Understanding the biogeographic histories of organisms is at the heart of evolutionary, ecological, and conservation research. In plants intraspecific hybridization is a common evolutionary event and a major method for speciation. Hybridization has the ability to create novel large scale genomic combinations. In addition, fertile hybrids with the ability to backcross to its parents can act as genomic highways, mediating gene flow between parental species. Hybridization is therefore a major source of genomic variation and it can act as a mode for unconventional interspecific genetic transmission. However, there is a large knowledge gap in the understanding of the evolutionary and ecological roles hybridization plays and how it affects the biogeographic history and genomic diversity of plants. In this project I will investigate these questions in the plant genus Mentha, which contains many natural intraspecific hybrid species. I will infer the effect of hybridization on dispersal rates and biogeographic history using whole chloroplast genomes from samples obtained from historical collections. Furthermore, I will investigate the effect hybridization have on the genomic diversity within Mentha and how hybridization have shaped the genus’ evolutionary history. Finally I will establish whether Mentha hybrid species act as genomic highways facilitating gene flow between parental species. The results of this fellowship will significantly increase our knowledge of the evolutionary importance of hybridization and its importance for shaping biogeographical patterns and genomic diversities in plants. Fields of science humanitieshistory and archaeologyhistorynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomesnatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesphysical geography Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2017 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2017 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET Net EU contribution € 200 194,80 Address NORREGADE 10 1165 Kobenhavn Denmark See on map Region Danmark Hovedstaden Byen København Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 200 194,80
