Research in evolutionary biology at the University of Melbourne takes place in the School of Botany and Departments of Genetics and Zoology.
There are two main evolutionary research groups in the School of Botany. Pauline Ladiges leads a research group on systematics and phylogenetics of native Australian plants, using morphology and DNA sequences to establish phylogenetic trees and modern cladistic methods of systematics. Phylogenetic trees are used as a basis for discovering the historical relationships of areas of endemism in Australia. Research on evolutionary aspects of plant structure and evolution takes place in the Isabel C. Cookson Laboratory, led by Dr Andrew Drinnan. Their studies of fossil plants are predominantly concerned with the Permian and Mesozoic floras of Australia and Antarctica, but they are also are interested in all groups with a Gondwanan distribution.
The Department of Genetics has three research groups that address evolutionary questions: John McKenzie and Phil Batterham are identifying the range of genes (and mutations within genes) that may confer resistance to a given insecticide. Jon Martin has interests in the phylogeny, taxonomy and cytogenetics of the genus Chironomus and related genera. David Heckel is investigating genetic mechanisms of insecticide resistance in caterpillar pests, and wing color patterns in butterfly mimicry.
There are three groups addressing evolutionary questions in the Department of Zoology. Mark Elgar and his group examine the evolutionary outcomes of sexual conflicts involving sexually cannibalistic spiders and antagonistic coevolution in mimetic systems. Raoul Mulder and his group are investigating the evolution of social behaviour and unusual mating systems, especially the mechanisms and selective consequences of male plumage dichromatism in paradise flycatchers (Terpsiphone). David Young is studying the place of the biological theory of evolution in the public understanding of science, particularly as an area of interaction between science and religion.
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