Camilla Whittington

Comparative Genomics | Evolutionary Biology | Zoology

Our research aims to understand the evolution of complex traits. We're especially interested in understanding the biology and evolution of pregnancy, the placenta, and the process of birth.

Evolutionary innovations like eyes, wings, venom, and live-birth are dramatic, game-changing novelties that are responsible for much of the Earth’s animal diversity. However, their origins are poorly understood because they are produced by the collective action and evolution of thousands of genes. By examining a targeted range of animals, our work aims to elucidate the biology and genetic basis of evolutionary innovations and to discover fundamental evolutionary mechanisms.

Through this research, we are also working to increase our knowledge of the fundamental biology of some of Australia’s unique native species: lizards, pot-bellied seahorses, sharks, the platypus, and marsupials. Our interests encompass evolutionary biology, reproduction, genetics and genomics, physiology, anatomy and histology, animal behaviour, and conservation.

PhD and Honours projects are available- see here for details