Molecular Ecology and Evolution
Many bryophytes (i.e. mosses, liverworts and
hornworts) appear to have evolved extremely slowly, based on fossil data. Nevertheless,
we have found that the levels of genetic variability in various species are
comparable to that found in outcrossing higher plants. The major focus of our
research is this to understand this apparent contradiction between high levels
of genetic variability and slow evolutionary rates. We are using several models
in our studies, including the main model organism of primitive plants, Physcomitrella
patens .
Recent publications
Stenĝien, H. K. 2005. Adaptive basis
of codon usage in the haploid moss Physcomitrella patens. Heredity
94: 87-93. (pdf)
International
collaborators
Prof. Hċkan Rydin,
Available undergraduate and graduate projects