Evolutionary Genomics of Mimicry in Neotropical Catfishes (TAYLOR M_UEA_ARIES27)
Key details
- Application Deadline
- 7 January 2027 23:59 UK Time
- Location
- UEA
- Funding Type
- Competiton funded project (Students worldwide)
- Start Date
- 1 October 2027
- Mode of Study
- Full-time or Part-time
- Programme Type
- PhD
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Project Description
Primary Supervisor - Dr Martin Taylor
Scientific Background
Mimicry, where unrelated species evolve similar colour patterns through natural selection, is one of the most striking examples of adaptation. In Müllerian mimicry, multiple defended species converge on a shared warning signal, reducing the costs of predator education, whereas in Batesian mimicry harmless species resemble defended models to avoid predation. Although iconic examples occur in Heliconius butterflies and poison arrow frogs, a remarkable and much less well-known mimicry system has evolved in Neotropical Corydoradinae catfishes.
More than 30 independently evolved mimicry communities ("mimicry rings") have been identified across South America, providing a unique opportunity to investigate whether repeated evolution of similar colour patterns is driven by the same genetic mechanisms. Using comparative and population genomics, this project will address four questions:
- Which genomic regions show evidence of divergent selection among different mimicry rings?
- Do species within the same mimicry ring show signatures of recent positive selection and selective sweeps associated with shared colour patterns?
- Have pigmentation genes evolved more rapidly in mimetic than non-mimetic species?
- By comparing multiple independent origins of mimicry, the project will test one of evolutionary biology's central questions: how predictable is adaptive evolution?
Research Methodology
You will work with a chromosome-level reference genome, additional annotated genome assemblies, RNA-seq datasets and whole-genome resequencing data from mimetic and non-mimetic species. Using state-of-the-art population and comparative genomic approaches, you will identify genomic signatures of divergent selection, selective sweeps and molecular adaptation associated with mimicry. Most samples are already available within the host laboratory, with potential opportunities for collaborative fieldwork in South America.
Training and Skills Development
You will receive training in molecular biology, genome resequencing, comparative and population genomics, phylogenomics, bioinformatics, UNIX/Linux, high-performance computing, and programming in R and Python, providing excellent preparation for careers in evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics and academic research.
Person Specification
Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) a First or Upper Second-Class degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Evolutionary Biology, Zoology or a related discipline, together with a strong interest in evolutionary biology and genomics. Experience in bioinformatics or programming (e.g. R or Python) would be advantageous but is not essential, as full training will be provided.
Entry Requirements
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).
Funding
ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions(opens in a new window). Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion(opens in a new window) in all areas of its operation. We encourage applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Projects have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, with equal weighting given to experience and potential.
After submitting their application for the relevant ARIES project(s), applicants are expected to complete the ARIES Equality and Diversity Form Applicants - 2027 Entry – Fill in form(opens in a new window). One form is required per application, so applicants applying to more than one project must complete a separate form for each.
Please visit www.aries-dtp.ac.uk(opens in a new window) for further information.
References
Alexandrou, M., Oliveira, C, Maillard, M, McGill, R.A.R., Newton, J., Creer, S. and M. I. Taylor. (2011) Competition and phylogeny determine community structure in Müllerian co-mimics. Nature 469:84–88, 2011. DOI:10.1038/nature09660
Marburger S, Alexandrou M, Taggart JB, Creer S, Carvalho G, Oliveira C, Aylor, M.I. et al. Whole genome duplication and transposable element proliferation drive genome expansion in Corydoradinae catfishes. Proceedings of the Royal Soc: B Biol Sci. 2018 Feb 14;285(1872). 20172732.
Bell, E. A., Butler, C. L., Oliveira, C., Marburger, S., Yant, L., & Taylor, M. I. (2022). Transposable element annotation in non-model species: The benefits of species-specific repeat libraries using semi-automated EDTA and DeepTE de novo pipelines. Molecular Ecology Resources, 22, 823– 833. https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-0998.13489
Dias AC, Tencatt LFC, Roxo FF, Silva GC, Santos SA, Britto MR, Taylor MI, Oliveira C. (2024). Phylogenomic analyses in the complex Neotropical subfamily Corydoradinae (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) with a new classification based on morphological and molecular data, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, zlae053.