D3102: Genomic and morphological evolution of stress tolerant shore flies (Diptera: Ephydridae)

Extremophilic organisms thrive under environmental conditions on the edges of biological tolerance. Studying the adaptations that allow survival under one or more extreme stressors can help us understand the limits of evolution, better predict the effects of climatic shifts, and engineer novel solutions to pre-existing problems. Shore flies (Ephydridae) are diverse, taxonomically challenging higher flies that often inhabit extreme aquatic environments such as hot springs and hypersaline lakes. Shore fly lifestyles range from fully terrestrial to diving and foraging underwater as adults, and their morphological adaptations have generated multidisciplinary interest (e.g. mechanical engineering of life in hot water). My research aims to develop a genetic and phylogenetic framework for studying shore fly evolution, relating their extensive ecological and morphological diversity, and establishing their utility as a model system. I have produced a reference genome for the species Paracoenia bisetosa and will use a whole genome resequencing approach to investigate potential population genetic differences between high stress and typical semiaquatic locations. This should reveal genetic clues to adaptive evolution as well as their possible use as environmental bioindicators, highlighting the conservation ramifications of naturally fragmented ranges of stress tolerant species. I am also currently comparing mapping patterns of specific patches of setation onto pre-existing phylogenies. From these data, I will perform phylogenomic analyses to determine evolutionary relationships within the family Ephydridae, which will be the first large scale molecular assessment of this ecologically diverse, extraordinarily adaptable group of insects.