The Population Genetics of Recent Speciation Events in Drosophila

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9306625 Hey This research asks basic questions about the formation of biological species. Although it is clear that species formation, whereby single species splits into two, has been a common process in the history of life on earth, we have only limited understanding of how it occurs. Dr. Hey will study two groups of species, the Drosophila virilis species group (5 species) and the Drosophila pseudoobscura species group (4 species). Within each group the species are closely related and are genetically similar. For each group, the basic data are the DNA sequences of several genes. These genes will be sequenced from each of several individuals in each of the species in each species group. From the pattern of DNA sequences variation found among different copies of the same gene, Dr. Hey will be able to generate descriptions of the history of these genes.%%% By studying several genes and applying newly developed models of the relationship between gene histories and species histories, Dr. Hey will develop a historical portrait of genetic divergence during speciation within these groups.***