Dr Thibauld Michel
My research explores how evolution shapes the highly diverse and structurally unusual Begoniaceae family at both population and genus levels.
Many Begonia species have highly fragmented populations with limited gene flow between isolated groups that might be treatened. During my PhD I have detected inbreeding patterns of Begonia populations from Arabia, China, and Papua New Guinea to identify early signs of extinction vortex and guide conservation efforts.
My current work investigates the genetic factors behind the contrasting evolutionary paths of the species-rich genus Begonia and its monotypic sister genus Hillebrandia. This research addresses a broader question: why do some plant lineages diversify extensively while others remain species-poor? Using whole-genome sequencing I examine how genetic processes like deleterious mutation accumulation, gene duplication, and transposable element activity influence speciation, adaptation, and extinction.
My links:
https://github.com/ThibauldMichel