Wilhelmus María Cornelis
Edelaar

My scientific interests centre on individual variation, population divergence, genetics and evolutionary theory, with a particular focus on the diverse mechanisms of adaptation and divergence. A main line of research is how individual Matching Habitat Choice can facilitate local adaptation, genotype-environment correlation, invasion of novel habitats, and experimental speciation. We studied this in a cryptic ground-perching grasshopper, by combining descriptive field studies, manipulative experiments in the field and in our lab, and individual-based simulation modelling. Currently we are testing whether Matching Habitat Choice can result in reproductive isolation, using Zebra finches (in the lab) and Tree sparrows (in the field) carrying transponders which determine access to feeders. Additional consequences of Matching Habitat Choice on individuals and populations are being studied using transgenic optogenetic Drosophila fruit flies.