Research in the D’Aloia Lab lies at the intersection of marine ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. Questions of interest include:
- How does dispersal interact with demographic and environmental stochasticity to affect the spatio-temporal structure of alleles, individuals, and populations?
- Do close kin interact in marine populations with a dispersive phase?
- How might connectivity patterns change, given the growing human footprint on the ocean?
Larval dispersal
Much of our research centers around the ecological process of larval dispersal, wherein individuals move from their birth site to a breeding site. For marine species with limited adult mobility, the larval phase offers a unique opportunity for individuals to reach new habitat. But research has shown that some individuals stay very close to home, while others travel vast distances. We are interested in measuring this variability in dispersal capacity and understanding why it exists. We primarily use genetic approaches such as parentage analysis and population assignment tests to figure out how far larvae travel. We also explore how movement during early life stages impacts gene flow and population dynamics.
Much of our research centers around the ecological process of larval dispersal, wherein individuals move from their birth site to a breeding site. For marine species with limited adult mobility, the larval phase offers a unique opportunity for individuals to reach new habitat. But research has shown that some individuals stay very close to home, while others travel vast distances. We are interested in measuring this variability in dispersal capacity and understanding why it exists. We primarily use genetic approaches such as parentage analysis and population assignment tests to figure out how far larvae travel. We also explore how movement during early life stages impacts gene flow and population dynamics.
Kin structure
The distribution of close kin (e.g., parent-offspring pairs, full sibs, or half-sibs) within populations can impact processes such as kin competition, inbreeding, and kin selection. To date, evidence for within-population kin aggregations has been mixed for species with a dispersive larval phase. We are combining genetic and mathematical approaches to understand how kin groups could form within marine populations. Recent projects have explored the effects of stochastic demographic processes, collective larval movement, and limited dispersal on spatial patterns of kinship.
The distribution of close kin (e.g., parent-offspring pairs, full sibs, or half-sibs) within populations can impact processes such as kin competition, inbreeding, and kin selection. To date, evidence for within-population kin aggregations has been mixed for species with a dispersive larval phase. We are combining genetic and mathematical approaches to understand how kin groups could form within marine populations. Recent projects have explored the effects of stochastic demographic processes, collective larval movement, and limited dispersal on spatial patterns of kinship.
Seascape genetics
The field of seascape genetics is generating new insights into how demographic processes, selection, local ecology, and seascape features shape the spatio-temporal distribution of genetic variation within marine metapopulations. Our lab is pursuing methodological and biological research projects in seascape genetics. Current work focuses on how well alternative field sampling designs and high-throughput sequencing approaches resolve fine-scale patterns of genetic structure. We are also interested in integrating genomic data with georeferenced environmental data to relate spatial genetic patterns to seascape drivers.
The field of seascape genetics is generating new insights into how demographic processes, selection, local ecology, and seascape features shape the spatio-temporal distribution of genetic variation within marine metapopulations. Our lab is pursuing methodological and biological research projects in seascape genetics. Current work focuses on how well alternative field sampling designs and high-throughput sequencing approaches resolve fine-scale patterns of genetic structure. We are also interested in integrating genomic data with georeferenced environmental data to relate spatial genetic patterns to seascape drivers.
Connectivity and conservation planning
A major goal of protected area network design is to ensure the long-term persistence of species with diverse life histories. Connectivity between protected areas is generally thought to be central to achieving this goal. With collaborators, we are developing conceptual models related to connectivity and conservation planning including: (1) how to consider connectivity across life stages for multiple species; (2) how permanent and dynamic protected areas can be combined to design climate-adaptive spatial networks; and (3) how genomic data can be used to optimize connectivity and adaptive potential within networks.
A major goal of protected area network design is to ensure the long-term persistence of species with diverse life histories. Connectivity between protected areas is generally thought to be central to achieving this goal. With collaborators, we are developing conceptual models related to connectivity and conservation planning including: (1) how to consider connectivity across life stages for multiple species; (2) how permanent and dynamic protected areas can be combined to design climate-adaptive spatial networks; and (3) how genomic data can be used to optimize connectivity and adaptive potential within networks.
Our research is currently supported by: the University of New Brunswick, the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and the Harrison McCain Foundation.