Evolutionary Genomics of Mimicry in Neotropical Catfishes

Project Code: TAYLOR M_UEA_ARIES27

Evolutionary Genomics of Mimicry in Neotropical Catfishes

Project Code: TAYLOR M_UEA_ARIES27

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Martin Taylor, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia – contact me

Professor Tracey Chapman, UEA

Professor David Richardson, UEA

 

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.

 

Research Methodology

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?

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.

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.

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2027. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 16 December 2026.
  • 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 postgraduate researchers (PGRs) benefit from bespoke training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or immigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship, follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential and will be stored on the UEA SharePoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be asked to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. Please see https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information.

Apply Now

Apply now via the University of East Anglia Application Portal