Benning Lab

Evolutionary ecology & ecological genetics

Our research group seeks to understand the interplay between evolutionary processes and ecological patterns. We work on questions like

• how does gene flow through space and time mediate adaptation?
• how important are biotic interactions for constraining species’ geographic distributions?
• how do environmental gradients influence biological invasions?
• how does temporal environmental variation alter evolutionary trajectories and the spread of populations across space?

We make use of manipulative field experiments, long-term observational data, controlled laboratory experiments, and theoretical models to gain a more complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying ecological and evolutionary patterns.