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The Donovan lab investigates plant evolutionary ecophysiological,
with an emphasis on stress and resource use traits as they relate to plant
performance. We examine ecological and evolutionary responses to
growth limiting factors (e.g. water and nutrient limitations, salinity, and
competition) in a number of plant systems. Our current study system
is primarily a suite of Helianthus species, due to their wide-ranging
ecology and available genetic and genomic tools. However, we also include other species
from a variety of habitats (desert and coastal sand dunes, saline desert
playas and coastal salt marshes, and Great Basin shrub steppe) as well as
model plants such as Arabidopsis when appropriate. In general, we
want to know how individual plant traits affect plant fitness and
distribution, and how these traits evolve. To address these
questions, we use a combination of ecological, ecophysiological,
evolutionary genetic and genomic approaches. Please see the RESEARCH
page for descriptions of individual projects.
We are now receiving and evaluating applications for our
graduate program for fall 2010 admission.
We have strong programs in ecology and evolution, and several
options for student support. If you
are potentially interested, please contact Lisa Donovan and other faculty
to discuss research areas and funding opportunities.
Informal
list of classes currently available for UGA graduate students in the areas
of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology.
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