We study the developmental and genetic mechanisms of complex traits and their evolution. Our focus is on developmental plasticity, using horned beetles and nematodes as systems.
Our research focuses on polyphenisms, an extreme form of plasticity characterized by alternative morphologies.
Research
- Mechanisms and evolution of morphological plasticity
- Regulation of sexual dimorphism and its evolution
- Regulation and evolution of behavioral plasticity in alternative phenotypes
The Casasa Lab studies the evolution of developmental mechanisms and their role shaping phenotypic diversity. We are particularly interested in how organismal development responds to environmental factors.
Area of Interest: Eco-evo-devo, phenotypic plasticity, insect development, horned beetles, nematodes, transcriptomics, functional genetics
Subject Areas
- Cell & Molecular Biology
- Ecology, Behavior & Evolution
