Research Areas
The Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolution offers the following research lines (2021–2024):
Macroecology and Community Ecology – This research line aims to describe and study the mechanisms underlying ecological and evolutionary patterns at broad spatial, temporal, and taxonomic scales. Macroecological studies typically rely on large-scale data compiled from broad databases to fit models and test ecological and evolutionary hypotheses at continental or global scales, particularly over the Late Quaternary. These studies often require advanced computational resources due to the large volume of data involved (e.g., millions of species occurrence records, thousands of localities worldwide). To support this, the Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolution maintains a powerful computer cluster available to students, faculty, and postdocs. Key scientific questions addressed in this line include: (i) What ecological and evolutionary factors determine species distributions and biodiversity patterns in time and space? (ii) How have the interactions among the evolution of functional traits, speciation, extinction, and dispersal shaped current macroecological patterns? (iii) How have tectonic processes and paleo-climatic oscillations affected the distribution of life on Earth? (iv) How do biodiversity knowledge gaps ("shortfalls") create uncertainties in macroecological and macroevolutionary patterns? Major ecological and evolutionary phenomena studied include: (i) spatial and temporal variation in alpha and beta diversity, as well as phylogenetic and functional diversity; (ii) phylogenetic structure of species traits, such as body size and ecological niches; and (iii) variation in speciation and extinction rates over time and space. Given the conceptual and methodological overlap between macroecology and community/metacommunity ecology—especially in the context of geographic and comparative analyses—this line has, since 2021, incorporated projects focusing on broader biodiversity patterns and processes, as well as those involving the structure and dynamics of communities and ecosystems, particularly comparative patterns of ecological interactions.
Faculty: Joaquin Hortal, Fabricio Villalobos, José Alexandre Diniz-Filho, Levi Carina Terribile, Luis Maurício Bini, Marcus Cianciaruso, Mario Almeida-Neto, Matheus Ribeiro, Rafael D. Loyola, Thiago F. Rangel.
Limnology – This line of research uses continental aquatic ecosystems as models to describe ecological patterns and test general ecological theories. Various aquatic systems (lotic and lentic) are studied, including those created by human activity (hydroelectric reservoirs, water supply reservoirs, irrigation, or livestock watering). Studies often focus on Brazilian river basins, especially within the Cerrado biome (e.g., the Araguaia River floodplain). Large-scale and comparative limnology studies also contrast biodiversity patterns between tropical and temperate systems, particularly through collaborations between faculty and Finnish scientists. Different biological groups are studied, generally defined by habitat use (phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthos, and fish). The line employs various study approaches, including observational, experimental, modeling, and meta-analyses. Since the creation of the National Institute of Science and Technology in Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation (INCT EECBio, based at UFG) in 2018, experiments have become more frequent—for example, to investigate how dispersal influences community structure, the effects of climate change, and early indicators of eutrophication. Key concepts investigated include spatial and temporal variation in biodiversity (alpha, beta, and gamma diversity), metacommunities, bioindicators, and the impacts of land use and other anthropogenic activities (e.g., eutrophication and hydrological regulation) on aquatic communities.
Faculty: Luis Maurício Bini, Adriano S. Melo, João Carlos Nabout, Fabricio Teresa, Jascielle Bortolini, Priscilla de Carvalho, Renato Bolson Dala Corte.
Molecular Ecology and Evolution – This research line employs genetic and molecular phylogenetic methods to test hypotheses in ecology and evolution across different hierarchical levels. These range from population genetic structure at multiple scales (individuals, localities, landscapes, demes) to phylogeographic patterns across regional scales in species or species complexes. A major focus is the integration of molecular approaches to assess genetic differentiation across landscapes, in combination with remote sensing, ecological niche modeling, and environmental analysis—with strong implications for conservation—as well as new advances in environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. A case in point is the Long-Term Ecological Research site (PELD) in Silvânia, where molecular analyses, landscape ecology, and eDNA techniques are combined to assess the effects of fragmentation and dispersal. Other eDNA-based projects involving aquatic and terrestrial systems are being developed through the Genetics and Genomics Working Group of INCT EECBio. Additional topics include comparative analyses using phylogenetic and biogeographic approaches (typically based on molecular data), diversification and phenotypic evolution models, adaptation and natural selection processes at the population level, and the phylogenetic/functional structuring of communities using molecular phylogenies.
Faculty: José Alexandre Diniz-Filho, Thiago Rangel, Natan Maciel, Thannya N. Soares, Mariana Pires de Campos Telles, Rosane G. Colevatti.
Biodiversity, Conservation, and Ecosystem Services – Previously titled "Biodiversity and Conservation Biology," this research line describes major biodiversity patterns and tests ecological and evolutionary hypotheses related to the organization of populations and communities at smaller geographic scales, especially in the context of anthropogenic changes. The updated name reflects the growing number of projects addressing ecosystem services. This line has a clear applied focus on biodiversity conservation, especially by providing input for conservation programs at regional and/or national levels. Operationally, many projects in this line—such as one of the PELD sites linked to the program—have a strong regional focus, often using the Cerrado biome as a model system. In more explicit conservation contexts, the line also includes more theoretical and methodological projects that propose new strategies for optimizing conservation programs, such as red list criteria and systematic spatial planning. Most importantly, practical applications of these approaches often require familiarity with public policies and engagement with governmental agencies and NGOs, thus opening space for those interactions within this research line.
Faculty: Daniel Brito, Fausto Nomura, Joaquin Hortal, Marcus Cianciaruso, Mário Almeida Neto, Paulo De Marco Jr., Luisa Carvalheiro, Rafael D. Loyola, Rogério Bastos.