Environmental and evolutionary drivers modify the genomes of populations, species, and communities. We study such molecular signatures using methods of comparative genomics, metagenomics, community barcoding, phylogenetics, population genetics, and ecological modeling. A focus of our genome analyses is to understand biosynthetic gene clusters and transposable elements. Our community genetics projects involve soil communities, historical communities from lake sediments, and microorganisms associated with the lichen symbiosis.
Prof. Dr. Imke Schmitt
Professor, Deputy Director 'Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre', Head of Research Group 'Molecular Evolutionary Biology'
