Research
Projects
Centro Balear de Biodiversidad
CBB Projects
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2024-2025
Genome of Naufraga balearica, endemic and monospecific plant of Mallorca – GENBAL
The goal of this project is to produce and publish a high-quality, chromosome-level reference genome for Naufraga balearica, a rare and endemic plant species native to Mallorca, first described by Constance and Cannon in 1967.
PI: Enrique Arboleda (UIB)
Source of funding: Institut d’Estudis Catalans, Catalan Biogenome Project.
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2024-2025
Exploring evolutionary constraints of coding and repetitive DNA in Pimelia beetles across 5.33 million years (EDIBLE: Evolution Dna In BeetLEs)
The project focuses on producing high-quality reference genomes of four endemic species: Pimelia cribra (Mallorca and Menorca), P. elevata (Eivissa and Formentera), P. interjecta (Catalunya), and P. modesta (País Valencià). The study aims to explore the evolution of both coding and non-coding sequences, with a focus on satDNA and transposable elements, providing a unique model for studying genome organization in the absence of strong selective pressures.
IP: Joan Pons (IMEDEA-CSIC)
Source of funding: Institut d’Estudis Catalans, Catalan Biogenome Project.
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2024-2025
MALACOME: Two obscure mollusc genomes for unravelling unknown evolutionary pathways and key biological processes
The project aims to produce and publish high-quality, chromosome-level reference genomes for two important marine species: the gastropods Heliacus fallaciosus (Tiberi, 1872) and Pontohedyle milaschewitchii (Kowalevsky, 1901).
PI: Juan Moles Sánchez (UB) & Maria Capa (UIB)
Source of funding: Institut d’Estudis Catalans, Catalan Biogenome Project.
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2024-2025
Identification of Annelids in the Balearic Islands for Environmental Conservation and Monitoring (PROANNELIDS)
This project seeks to expand foundational knowledge by creating an updated catalogue of species documented in the Balearic Islands, alongside a comprehensive reference collection of identified specimens, complete with detailed characterizations and molecular markers. The research aims to address challenges such as cryptic species complexes, the discovery of non-native species, new regional records, and potentially species unknown to science. Additionally, analyzing the structure of annelid communities will provide valuable insights into the conservation status and environmental quality of the studied habitats. Ultimately, this work will help develop a monitoring framework to assess the ecological health of benthic ecosystems in the Balearic Islands.
PI: Enrique Arboleda (UIB)
Source of funding: Government of the Balearic Islands.
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2024-2025
Genetic diversity and connectivity between populations of protected marine invertebrates in the Balearic Sea (ConnectAMBgen)
This project focuses on studying the genetic populations of three emblematic and protected marine invertebrate species in the western Mediterranean: the mollusk Dendropoma lebeche (a species with direct development, without a planktonic larval stage), the solitary infralittoral coral Balanophyllia europaea, and the anemone Calliactis parasitica (both of which have planktonic larvae, offering greater dispersal and connectivity potential between populations).
To achieve this, we will employ genotyping-by-sequencing techniques (ddRAD-seq) to analyze population structure and gene flow. The objectives of the project are threefold: (1) to assess the abundance and distribution of these species in the Balearic Sea; (2) to estimate population parameters such as effective size, genetic structure, connectivity, dispersal capacity, and demographic history for each species; and (3) to compare patterns of population distribution and structure between marine protected areas (MPAs) and unprotected locations.
By integrating genetic insights with ecological data, this study aims to deepen our understanding of these species’ population dynamics and inform conservation strategies in the Mediterranean.
IP: Marta Bassitta Sánchez (UIB)
Source of funding: Government of the Balearic Islands.