Welcome to the Population and Organism Diversity Lab!
At the Population and Organism Diversity Lab (PoODL) in Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES), Indian Institute of Science, we embark on an exciting journey to explore the rich biodiversity around us. We attempt to understand the interplay between diversity and survival, with a particular emphasis on the survival strategies of small, isolated populations and their pathways to extinction.
Our Research Questions
- How do small isolated populations survive?
- What survival strategies can we devise to ensure their continued existence?
- How does genomic variation influence phenotypic traits within these populations?
To tackle these critical questions, we engage in cutting-edge simulations and conduct empirical studies on wild animal populations. Our goal is to understand how so many species survived despite being small and isolated in the past and what threatens these species today.
Tools for Conservation
We don’t just stop at understanding; we also develop essential resources, tools, and techniques to facilitate genetic investigations of rare and elusive species. Our team specializes in optimizing methods for sequencing genomes from non-invasive and environmental samples, making it studies these fascinating organisms more accessible.
Making an Impact
Furthermore, we are committed to translating the latest advancements in wildlife genomic research into actionable conservation efforts. We achieve this by hosting population genomics workshops across the tropics, empowering researchers and conservationists with the knowledge and skills to make a real difference in the field.
Find the next scheduled workshop here. Join us as we work together to understand our planet’s biodiversity!