Reproductive Evolution Lab
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  • Research
    • Reproduction and recycling
    • Reproduction and disease transmission
    • Sexual Size Dimorphism
    • Polyandry and Sperm competition
    • Incipient speciation
    • Condition Dependence
    • Reproductive endosymbionts
    • Pre vs Post
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Research


Background image credit: Christopher Marley

Sexual selection is recognized as a major force driving biodiversity. Comparative studies of closely related species often demonstrate that the traits involved in sexual reproduction are often more divergent than non-sexual traits. From the proteins involved in sperm-egg recognition to the complexity in ornaments and courtship displays, sexual traits, on the whole, represent some of the fastest evolving traits in nature.

In our lab, we study reproductive trait evolution:  How do reproductive traits respond to natural and sexual selection? What is the underlying genetic variation and fitness consequences associated with variation in trait expression? How could selection on males and females lead to reproductive isolation?
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We use insects as our model systems and study particularly widespread lineages across large geographical clines. Specifically, we are interested in how pre- and postcopulatory sexual selection can result in variation among species and even populations and how such variation might facilitate the generation and maintenance of barriers to reproduction.

Topics  of  interest

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Photo credit: Ding et. al. 2020 Parasites & Vectors
Role of reproduction in disease transmission
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Photo credit: Tan Kai Xin
Sexual Size Dimorphism (SSD)
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Photo credit: Tiffany Lum
Reproduction and Recycling
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Photo credit: Xavier Desmier
Polyandry and Sperm competition
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Photo credit: National Science Foundation
Reproductive endosymbionts in insects
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Photo credit: Rui Andrade
Incipient speciation in widespread species
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Photo credit: Tuyahoso
Pre- vs Postcopulatory   trade offs
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Interested students, interns or postdocs should contact our lab or our PI directly.
Funding sources
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Contact us

Reproductive evolution lab

Department of Biological Sciences
National University of Singapore
16 Science Drive 4
Block S3 Level 4
Singapore 117558 
Tel: +65 65167836 (Lab office)
       +65 65163486 (Insectary)
Email: reprolabnus@gmail.com

​ © Nalini Puniamoorthy 2023
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Image credit: Jayanthi Puniamoorthy
  • Home
  • Research
    • Reproduction and recycling
    • Reproduction and disease transmission
    • Sexual Size Dimorphism
    • Polyandry and Sperm competition
    • Incipient speciation
    • Condition Dependence
    • Reproductive endosymbionts
    • Pre vs Post
  • People
  • Publications
  • News
  • Join Us