Using phylogenetic frameworks, my research investigates the mechanisms that led to the functional diversity of plants. I combine analyses of gene sequences, genomes, transcriptomes, and ecological and morphological traits to address questions of importance for evolutionary biology in general:
How are complex traits assembled during evolution?
What determines the likelihood of a given lineage evolving novel adaptations?
How do environmental changes drive the evolution of novel traits?
As a study system, I use mainly the evolution of C4 photosynthesis in grasses and other groups of plants. This complex adaptation confers a higher productivity in conditions of CO2 depletion. Despite its complexity, it evolved more than 66 times in some groups of flowering plants through the co-option of genes already present in the C3 ancestors. It constitutes a very attractive study system to address questions ranging from the functional adaptation of specific genes to the emergence of tropical grasslands over millions of years.