University of Gothenburg
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  4. Ricardo Tomás Pereyra-Ortega

Ricardo Tomás Pereyra-Ortega

Researcher

Department of Marine Sciences
Telephone
+46 31-786 96 17
+46 766-22 96 17
Mail
ricardo.pereyra@marine.gu.se
Visiting address
Tjärnö
45296 Strömstad
Postal address
Tjärnö
45296 Strömstad

About Ricardo Tomás Pereyra-Ortega

My research interests are in evolutionary biology. I use molecular and experimental approaches to investigate the distribution of genetic variation and patterns of differentiation in natural populations (particularly aquatic organisms). The aim of such studies is to test hypotheses concerning the evolutionary history of species and particularly the mechanisms of adaptation and speciation. Other interests are to investigate the species life history traits and to assess exploited species populations.

Speciation mechanisms

Speciation in fucoid algae in the Baltic Sea I am currently investigating the speciation mechanisms in fucoid algae from the Baltic and North Seas. This group provides an extraordinary system to investigate postglacial colonization and ecological differentiation under extreme environmental conditions. I am interested in demographic reconstruction of brown algae, particularly of the Fucus genus complex from the Baltic Sea coasts, to determine the geographical origin and mechanisms responsible for the ecologically divergent taxa.

The effects of Baltic-North Sea salinity transition on natural populations

It has been suggested that ecologically marginal environments harbour populations that experience extreme selection regimes and quite often these environments are also geographically marginal. The Baltic Sea, for example, is an extreme environment, geographically peripheral and ecologically marginal with low winter temperatures and permanently low salinities ranging from 1-2psu to 25psu. Populations inhabiting this area are therefore expected to experience life history changes that may influence their genetic set up. My research interests also lie on the adaptations of the aforementioned algae across environmental gradients, particularly salinity conditions in the Baltic and North Sea coasts. I am particularly interested in the occurrence of facultative clonality in the Fucus seaweeds and the genomic mechanisms underlying the population expansion through this reproductive mode.

Stock delineation and population structure in conservation of marine species

I am interested in the identification of the origins and unique genetic entities in marine commercially important species. This information is vital in assessing the ranges and make-up of management units for their effective conservation.