Our research group works on a broad range of evolutionary and ecological questions. A common thread linking the research we do is the explicit modelling of spatial phenomena, all the way from individual movement to metapopulation dynamics. Our approach is based on the tight integration of theoretical and statistical modelling and empirical investigations (both in the laboratory and in the field).
Current research topics on individual movement strategies include the solution of conflicts in sticklebacks facing coordination problems, the importance of territoriality in promoting coexistence in skuas and in determining the outcome of interspecific mutualistic relationships in cleaner wrasses. At a broader scale, we have worked extensively on reconstructing the spread of anatomically modern humans out of Africa over the last 50k years using population genetics tools, and we have used our improved understanding of the ancient demography of humans to investigate selection by pathogens in this structured metapopulation. We are also interested in the evolution of migration in birds, and the spatial dynamics of chytrid infections in amphibians.
- News and Media
-
18 September 2012
Climate change drove the out-of-Africa exodus of modern humans
Our new paper in PNAS describing the role of climate change in driving the tempo of the out-of-Africa expansion of anatomically modern humans is covered by New Scientist, the National Public Radio in the US, and several other media.18 August 2012
Hybridisation with Neanderthal doubted
Our new paper in PNAS casting doubts on the hybridisation between Neanderthal and modern humans is covered by BBCOnline, BBC News, the Guardian, the Independent, New Scientist and many other media.8 May 2012
The origin of horse domestication
Our new paper in PNAS reconstructing the origins of horse domestication is covered by ScienceNOW, BBC News, the Washington Post and many other media.5 March 2012
Climate change and humans share the blame for megafauna extinction
Our new paper in PNAS showing that both human arrival and climate change were responsible for the extinction of megafauna is covered by a Research Highlight in Nature, ScienceNOW, and the Daily Mail.
- Recent Publications: Highlights
-
Eriksson, A, Betti, L, Friend, AD, Lycett, SJ, Singarayer, JS, Cramon-Taubadel, N von, Valdes, PJ, Balloux, F, Manica, A. 2012. Late Pleistocene climate change and the global expansion of anatomically modern humans. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science USA 109: 16089–16094. [PDF] [Media]
Eriksson, A, Manica, A. 2012. Effects of ancient population structure on the degree of polymorphism shared between modern human populations and ancient hominins. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science USA 109: 13956-13960. [PDF] [Media]
Warmuth, V, Eriksson, A, Bower, MA, Barker, G, Barrett, E, Hanks, BK, Li, S, Lomitashvili, D, Ochir-Goryaeva, M, Sizonov, GV, Soyono, V, Manica, A. 2012. Reconstructing the Origin and Spread of Horse Domestication in the Eurasian Steppe. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science USA 109: 8202–8206. [PDF] [Media]
