Center of Evolutionary Applications

In this project we will do microsatellite genotyping of White tailed eagle samples.

Penttinen, I., Nebel, C., Stjernberg, T. et al. Large-scale genotypic identification reveals density-dependent natal dispersal patterns in an elusive bird of prey. Mov Ecol 12, 16 (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s40462-023-00447-5

Using DNA based methods we can determine the sex of individuals in cases where no apparent visual differences are present. Here we use molecular methods to determine the sex of juvenile eider ducks by taking a swab sample. Egg shells can also be used as starting material for DNA analysis if the ducklings left the nest before sampling!

DISRUPT: Ducks as models for assessIng endocrine DISRUPTing chemicals in the aquatic environment

https://sites.utu.fi/disrupt/

DNA sequencing is a powerful tool for species identification in microbial communities. The Experimental Evolution-project studies community dynamics, using microbes and an experimental approach as a means to study interactions both on ecological and evolutionary scales.

https://www.expevo.org/

In this project we do microsatellite genotyping of Tawny owls from different European populations.

We perform DNA and RNA extractions and determine pathogens from ticks as part of CoastNet LIFE project.

https://www.metsa.fi/en/project/coastnet-life/

We perform DNA analysis and species identification for water mites.

We perform DNA analysis and NGS library preparation for soil bacterial communities of Lupinus polyphyllus.

Mousavi, S. A., & Ramula, S. (2024). The invasive legume Lupinus polyphyllus has minor site-specific impacts on the composition of soil bacterial communities. Ecology and Evolution, 14, e11030. DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11030

Microbe DNA analysis for sea water filter samples and HMW DNA extraction for fungal parasite of phytoplankton for whole genome sequencing.

Phytoplankton-Parasite interactions along a salinity gradient

https://uglylab.science/

In this project we will test and optimize a RAD-tag method for two fish species, pike and perch.

In this project we will use microsatellite genotyping for determining population structure in Iijoki brown trout.

In this pilot study we will test an eDNA based method to determine the amount of brown trout individuals from water samples.

In this project we will carry out DNA- and RNA extractions for the endophyte project.

https://blogit.utu.fi/helandersaikkonenlab/

In this pilot study we will extract DNA from pollen samples gathered by a Burkard trap. Sequencing a part of the "plant barcoding" gene trnL we can study the species composition in the samples.

More information here (in Finnish):

https://www.utu.fi/fi/yliopisto/luonnontieteiden-ja-tekniikan-tiedekunta/biologia/tutkimus

DNA based fingerprinting of wolf individuals is used for tracking individual's movements and supporting census counts of the Finnish wolf population by LUKE.

For more information see (in Finnish):

riistahavainnot.fi/suurpedot/dna

http://www.suurpedot.fi/suojelu-ja-metsastys/tutkimus/susien-dna-tutkimus.html

For more info see:

https://www.utu.fi/en/units/sci/units/biology/research/projects/verg/Pages/JonBrommer.aspx

https://www.utu.fi/en/units/sci/units/biology/research/projects/verg/Pages/BarbaraClass.aspx

In this project we will use microsatellite genotyping for a population structure study.

Introduced species can have wide ranging effects on the native species in the littoral ecosystem of the Baltic Sea. The project INVASIVES investigates how invasive species change community dynamics and reshape natural selection on the native species. Selective pressure alters patterns of variation in the genome, and these changes can be studied by sequencing.

https://sites.utu.fi/alga/

Alale, T. Y., Sormunen, J. J., Vesterinen, E. J., Klemola, T., Knott, K. E., & Baltazar-Soares, M. (2024). Genomic signatures of hybridization between Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus in natural populations. Ecology and evolution, 14(5), e11415. DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11415