EVOLUTION  PHYLOGENETICS  BIODIVERSITY  CONSERVATION

​In the twilight zone (~200m-1000m), where sunlight is limited, bioluminescence is an essential survival tool.  Over 700 genera contain bioluminescent species, 80% of which are marine and depend on the generation of light for communication, feeding and defense. Little is known about the evolution of bioluminescence and vision in the deep sea at the molecular level.  The CRUSTOMICS lab is studying the evolution and function of light organs and visual systems to better understand these fascinating sensory systems.