The questions that drive us.
The Evolving Phylo-Lab sits at the Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc Bangalore, reconstructing how the biodiversity of the Indian subcontinent came to be — and how it continues to change.
We study genetic variation within and between species to answer questions in ecology, evolution, and conservation.
Using phylogenetic tools, we explore species boundaries, biogeography, diversification, and the effects of ecological and anthropogenic change. Our work spans diverse plant and animal groups, revealing the evolutionary forces that shape biodiversity in the Indian subcontinent and beyond.
What we work on
Four interlocking lines of enquiryMolecular systematics
Clarifying taxonomy and delimiting species — including the cryptic lineages and evolutionarily significant units that matter most for conservation.
02 / BIOGEOGRAPHYPhylogenetics & biogeography
How past climatic and geological events shaped species distributions across the Indian subcontinent, and the barriers that drive divergence.
03 / DIVERSIFICATIONDiversification & trait evolution
The ecological and evolutionary drivers of diversification, and how key traits promote adaptive radiations and niche expansion.
04 / POPULATION GENETICSPopulation & conservation genetics
How habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic pressure affect genetic diversity, gene flow, selection and demography in wild populations.
Life in the lab — and the field.
From sampling expeditions across the Western Ghats to life around the bench, the lab's YouTube channel collects field-trip footage and lab stories.
Meet the people behind the work.