Z. Gompert

Ecology not genetics explains correlated trait divergence during speciation

This study investigates the mechanisms behind correlated trait divergence during speciation, finding that environmental factors, not genetics, primarily drive the divergence of color patterns and chemical traits in stick insects.

A next generation of hierarchical Bayesian analyses of hybrid zones enables direct quantification of variation in introgression in R

The paper introduces an R package bgchm for analyzing hybrid zones, enabling accurate quantification of introgression variation using hierarchical Bayesian methods.

Spatiotemporal and ontogenetic variation, microbial selection, and predicted antifungal function in the skin-associated microbiome of a Rocky Mountain amphibian

This study examines seasonal and life-stage variation in the skin microbiome of western tiger salamanders, identifies microbial selection, and predicts antifungal function to inform amphibian disease management.

Genomic time-series data show that gene flow maintains high genetic diversity despite substantial genetic drift in a butterfly species

The paper shows that gene flow maintains high genetic diversity in Lycaeides butterflies despite low contemporary effective population sizes and substantial genetic drift.

A population-genomic approach for estimating selection on polygenic traits in heterogeneous environments

This paper introduces an ABC method to detect fluctuating selection on polygenic traits using population-genomic time-series data and applies it to a host adaptation study in cowpea seed beetles.

Leveraging biological complexity to predict patch occupancy in a recent host range expansion

The paper predicts the colonization of alfalfa by the Melissa blue butterfly using biotic and abiotic factors, showing metabolomic variation and species interactions are key.

Caterpillars on a phytochemical landscape: the case of alfalfa and the Melissa blue butterfly

The paper quantifies how phytochemical variation in alfalfa affects Melissa blue butterfly caterpillar performance, identifying specific compounds with divergent effects.

Recent hybrids recapitulate ancient hybrid outcomes

The paper shows that ancestry patterns in ancient hybrid lineages are predictable from contemporary hybrid zones, suggesting similar effects of selection and recombination over time.

Dynamics of genomic change during evolutionary rescue in the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus

This study tracks genomic changes during evolutionary rescue in seed beetles, showing rapid adaptation to a stressful host plant with distinct genetic and demographic dynamics.

Genomic evidence of genetic variation with pleiotropic effects on caterpillar fitness and plant traits in a model legume

This study shows that genetic variation in Medicago truncatula affects caterpillar growth and survival, with pleiotropic effects on plant traits and caterpillar performance.

The predictability of genomic changes underlying a recent host shift in Melissa blue butterflies

This study examines the predictability of genomic changes during a recent host shift in Melissa blue butterflies, finding partial predictability from lab experiments but limited ability to predict evolutionary direction.