Dynamics of gene pool, genetic and phenotypic variability of populations, determined by the environmental changes

The project is focused to the key problem of conservation and population genetics, the range and dynamic of genetic and phenotypic variability through the study of integrative response of populations under conditions of spatially and temporally changing environment, environmental and genomic stress. Due to the associations of genetic diversity with evolutive potential of populations, the obtained data on genetic and phenotypic diversity of selected species will give insight into their capacity to cope with environmental changes. One direction of the project uses Drosophila species and populations, which allows understanding of mechanisms and adaptive potential of variability through monitoring of genetic structure of natural populations and their adaptive response in laboratory conditions. Another direction of research covers phenotypic and genetic variability in natural populations of Syrphidae and Culicidae from the wider range in Europe to evaluate the evolutionary potential of those spatially and temporally fragmented species. The planned research enable understanding of genome - environment interactions and processes and mechanisms that influence dynamics of gene pools associated with microevolutive processess and adaptation to climatic change, pollution, habitat fragmentation. The results have findamental significance in population biology and are aplicative in conservation and biodiversity protection.