Studies focus on the ecological and evolutionary consequences of genetic diversity in animals.
We use a variety of molecular approaches to contrast gene and genomic evolution under the recombinant and non-recombinant breeding systems found in these fish. These fish also serve as a model system for conservation studies. Several of the sexual species are either endangered or seriously threatened. Field and experimental studies have shown that the competitive ability, disease resistance, developmental stability, growth rate, and fecundity of these fish may be compromised by losses of genetic diversity that accompany population bottlenecks, founder events, and inbreeding. We also study molecular phylogenies of vent invertebrates and associated symbiotic microorganisms.