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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

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Pot-bellied seahorses. Credit: Jacquie Herbert

Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii. Credit: Jacquie Herbert

Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii. Credit: Jacquie Herbert

Saiphos equalis- credit: Nadav Pezaro

Saiphos equalis- credit: Nadav Pezaro

Fat-tailed dunnart

© Alan Couch (via Wikimedia Commons)

Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii embryo. Credit: Oliver Griffith

Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii embryo. Credit: Oliver Griffith

Lab News

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August 2021: Congratulations to Dr Alice Buddle, PhD completed!
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August 2021: Stevie our educational skink is ready for Semester 2!
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April 2020: Charles' work suggests this skink is a unique transitional form
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September 2021: Welcome to postdoc Mitch Hodgson!
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September 2021: We welcome postdoc Kittikun (Chris) Songsomboon to the lab!
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Oct 2020: Lizard fieldwork in outback South Australia
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February 2021: Welcome new honours students Jenny and Karolina!
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June 2020: Congratulations to Dr Claudia Santori, PhD completed!

Contact us:

​Camilla Whittington

 

The University of Sydney

School of Life and Environmental Sciences

​camilla.whittington[at]sydney.edu.au

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camilla.whittington[at]sydney.edu.au | @Camilla_Whitt

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