What is the impact of different life history and ecological traits on genetic diversity? To investigate this, I collected life-history and ecological information for 200 species of cichlid fishes (WP1.1) as well as genetic information on diversity, selection, recombination, and demography (WP1.2) and used linear modeling to see how those traits affect genetic diversity (WP3). In analyzing these relationships, body size showed a negative correlation with genetic diversity, supporting higher diversity in smaller, shorter-lived species. The ecological niche also had an impact, with open-water species being more genetically diverse.
What is the relative contribution of the de novo mutation rate to genetic diversity? To answer this question, I raised fish families in aquaria, sequenced their DNA (WP 1.2) and screened their genome to find new mutations (WP2) – changes in the DNA that are present only in the offspring and not in the parents. On average, these fishes have about seven new mutations per generation. This rate can vary quite a bit between different species, with some having rates as much as six times faster than others. Interestingly, species with more mutations belong to taxonomic groups that are also more species rich. However, population size and other factors need to be considered.
Overview of the exploitation and dissemination actions of the project results: 3 peer-reviewed publications, 2 outreach articles, 2 invited talks, 3 conferences attended, 2 workshops attended, 3 dissemination events organized.
