ERC Consolidator Grant · 2022
In this project, we aim to study the genetic mechanisms of convergent evolution by uncovering the mechanistic details of two highly replicated transitions in organismal complexity. Convergent evolution is widespread in nature, even on macroevolutionary timescales. To explain its pervasiveness, recent studies have proposed the idea of predisposing precursor traits that, if easily co- or exapted for new functions, can increase the likelihood of convergence. However, most of these hypotheses remain untested because of the lack of tractable model systems. We identified two fungal case studies that offer optimal model systems to mechanistically test the hypothesis that precursor traits increase…
From the public funding record at EU CORDIS. Describes the funded project, not the reviews below.