Balearic Biodiversity Centre
Courses and Seminars
Training
Our free courses and seminars
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September 19, 2024
Seminar: Anatomy of an adaptive radiation: the red devil spiders of the Canary Islands
Adaptive radiations are a hallmark of island evolution. Oceanic archipelagos, which rise from the ocean floor and have never been connected to mainland areas, provide unparalleled opportunities for accidental colonizers to flourish and diversify. However, identifying the patterns and mechanisms driving species proliferation and ecological adaptation in the context of adaptive radiation is not always straightforward.
To address this, we combined molecular phylogenetic analysis, comparative genomics, geometric morphometry, and experimental testing to investigate the origins and diversification of the red devil spiders (genus Dysdera) in the Canary Islands. This genus comprises approximately 60 endemic species within this volcanic archipelago. Our phylogenomic data support a single origin of these endemic species (with one exception) and suggest that the ancestor colonized the archipelago during the early formation of the present-day islands. The single origin hypothesis is further reinforced by the significant reduction in genome size among island species, primarily due to the loss of repetitive elements.
Trophic specialization has been a key driver of diversification in these endemic species, as evidenced by multiple independent events of onychophagia and accelerated speciation in specialized lineages. Notably, our findings also suggest that the processes of speciation and ecological adaptation are largely independent. The red devil spiders provide one of the most compelling examples of island diversification, and the extensive genomic, morphological, and ecological data available make this system an invaluable model for studying the mechanisms that generate and sustain biodiversity over time.
speaker
Dr. Miquel Arnedo (Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Universitat de Barcelona)
when and where
19/09/2024
12:00h
Edifici complex M2 (Carrer Blaise Pascal, 7, Parc Bit)
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September 2-6, 2024
Introductory Course to Population Genetics Theory and RAD-seq Data Analysis
In this course, participants will learn the fundamentals of population genetics theory and how to apply it to infer population processes and species history. We will examine how patterns of genetic diversity change over time and the processes driving these changes. Additionally, we will analyze microevolutionary processes, their impact on species diversity, and how to reconstruct species histories. The goal is to understand how evolutionary processes generate patterns and changes that shape biodiversity over time and space.
The second module of the course will focus on one of the primary methods for investigating genetic diversity in populations with limited or no reference genomes: RAD-seq (restriction site-associated DNA sequencing). Over three days, participants will learn how to generate and analyze RAD-seq data and apply widely used population genetics methods.
teacher
Narjes Yousefi (University of Zurich)
when and where
02/09/2024 – 06/09/2024
9h – 16h
Edifici complex M2 (Carrer Blaise Pascal, 7, Parc Bit)
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June 26, 2024
Seminar: Why is taxonomy so important?
Taxonomy underpins all biological sciences, making accurate species identification essential. A species name enables access to various databases and literature sources, allowing researchers to retrieve valuable information about that species, such as its distribution, ecology, genetic data, and more. However, many species, particularly among invertebrates, remain undescribed. Taxonomy is not a static science, especially in marine environments, where reexamination of previously described species often reveals they are actually groups of species that can be distinguished through additional molecular and morphological characteristics.
It is crucial for taxonomists to collaborate closely with other biologists, both within and across institutions, nationally and internationally. Museum collections play a vital role in documenting biodiversity. Well-organized, database-driven collections are particularly important at the national level, helping to track changes in species distributions due to climate change or to differentiate between native and introduced species.
Taxonomy is at a critical juncture, as many museums face funding cuts, leading to a reduction in positions. This lack of funding discourages students from pursuing taxonomic research if they cannot envision a viable career path.
speaker
Dra. Pat Hutchings (Australian Museum)
when and where
26/06/2024
11:00h
Edifici complex M2 (Carrer Blaise Pascal, 7, Parc Bit)
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June 17-19, 2024
Introductory Course to Biodiversity Analysis in R
The richness and diversity of species exhibit temporal and spatial variability influenced by environmental and historical factors. This course aims to familiarize participants with fundamental methodologies applicable in the R programming language for biodiversity research. Following a brief review of the previous introductory course on R, the primary objectives are: (1) to explain common statistical models used in biodiversity research, including their underlying assumptions and practical applications, and (2) to explore the use of DNA-based data (e.g., phylogenies) to address key questions in biodiversity research.
teachers
Diego Fontaneto (CNR)
when and where
17/06/2024 – 19/06/2024
10h – 17h
Edifici complex M2 (Carrer Blaise Pascal, 7, Parc Bit)
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Del 6 al 9 de Mayo, 2024
Course on Genome Assembly and Preparation for the Earth Biogenome Project
The Earth Biogenome Project (EBP) aims to sequence, assemble, catalog, and characterize the genomes of all eukaryotic species on Earth. This ambitious goal has been made possible by significant advancements in recent years in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools. Genome assemblies produced as part of the EBP must meet strict quality standards to ensure contiguity, accuracy, completeness, and chromosomal representation.
This 4-day course will focus on producing high-quality genome assemblies at the chromosomal level, demonstrating how to use long-read sequencing and Hi-C data effectively. We will cover all the steps involved in generating and evaluating genome assemblies, with a particular emphasis on the critical step of manual curation.