The mission of RA 1.2 is to understand nature’s spectacular phenotypic and genomic diversity which is the essence of the diversity of life. Phenotypes are measurable characteristics that are determined by genomic and environmental factors. We study the evolution and function of phenotypes and genomes. Phenotypes can range from the molecular, cellular and tissue to the organism level and include describing the morphology, physiology, metabolism and behaviour of organisms.
Based on collections and a strong background in biodiversity genomics, we describe phenotypes and genomes, digitise phenotypic information, understand the functions of phenotypes and genomes, their evolution and interaction with environments, and transfer organismic functions into applications. Following the fundamental science mandate of Research Field I, the work encompassed in RA1.2 is based on understanding the diversity of biological form. This includes work on anatomy, form and function, and descriptive genomics, whether as separate studies or in combination. Biodiversity Genomics, as a focal area for growing research, contributes to studies of biodiversity and conservation and to the responses of genomic diversity to climate. The advances highlighted herein RA1.2 are distinctive in their focus on groundbreaking, foundational insights through pursuing new systems, new species, new methods, and new connections. For many of the research organisms with RF1, limited observations or data exist, and immense technical challenges are overcome in our success in bringing these species to light. Parallel pursuits of both morphological and genomic data are driven by our overarching goal of understanding the fundamental limits and extremes of biodiversity.
Key questionsHow can we describe phenotypes and genomes of organisms and understand their function?
What similarities exist between organisms at the genomic and phenotypic level?
How did phenotypes, genomes, their intercorrelations, and their functions evolve?
