Island Phylogeography
Scientic Supervisor / Contact Person
Name and Surname
Mario Mairal Pisa
ORCID (link)
Localization & Research Area
Faculty / Institute
Faculty of Biological Science
Department
Biodiversity, Ecolgoy and Evolution
Research Area
Life Sciences (LIF)
MSCA & ERC experience
Research group / research team hosted any MSCA fellow?
No
Research group / research team have any ERC beneficiaries?
No
Research Team & Research Topic
Website of the Research team / Research Group / Department
Brief description of the Research Team / Research Group / Department
The Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution Department at the Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), is home to more than 110 researchers and professors, dedicated to studying biodiversity patterns, ecological processes, and evolutionary mechanisms shaping life on Earth. The department fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research, hosting state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, herbarium and zoological collections, and advanced computational resources to support evolutionary, ecological, and conservation studies.
Dr. Mario Mairal leads a research team focused on reconstructing spatiotemporal evolutionary processes, biogeography, and phylogeography within the framework of island biology and conservation. Their work aims to understand how evolutionary and ecological factors drive species diversification and distribution patterns, with a particular emphasis on island systems and remote environments, especially in sub-Antarctic islands and the Macaronesian region.
The team has a strong interest in biodiversity patterns and processes, conducting extensive fieldwork in challenging and remote ecosystems to collect data and samples that fuel high-impact evolutionary and conservation research. Their approach integrates field expeditions, laboratory work, and cutting-edge analytical techniques, including genomic, ecological, and computational methods, to provide novel insights into biodiversity dynamics and species adaptation. They consistently publish in cutting-edge scientific journals, contributing to the advancement of evolutionary biology, island biogeography, and conservation science. Dr. Mairal has been actively involved in international projects, including the AFBA ("A Functional Biogeography of the Antarctic") program, part of the Antarctic Circumnavigation Expedition (ACE).
Beyond research, the team actively participates in scientific outreach initiatives, such as the Biomaratón & Datablitz de Flora Española, which promote public engagement with botany and conservation efforts.
For more information about the research team’s projects, publications, and collaborations, please visit: www.mariomairal.com.
Dr. Mario Mairal leads a research team focused on reconstructing spatiotemporal evolutionary processes, biogeography, and phylogeography within the framework of island biology and conservation. Their work aims to understand how evolutionary and ecological factors drive species diversification and distribution patterns, with a particular emphasis on island systems and remote environments, especially in sub-Antarctic islands and the Macaronesian region.
The team has a strong interest in biodiversity patterns and processes, conducting extensive fieldwork in challenging and remote ecosystems to collect data and samples that fuel high-impact evolutionary and conservation research. Their approach integrates field expeditions, laboratory work, and cutting-edge analytical techniques, including genomic, ecological, and computational methods, to provide novel insights into biodiversity dynamics and species adaptation. They consistently publish in cutting-edge scientific journals, contributing to the advancement of evolutionary biology, island biogeography, and conservation science. Dr. Mairal has been actively involved in international projects, including the AFBA ("A Functional Biogeography of the Antarctic") program, part of the Antarctic Circumnavigation Expedition (ACE).
Beyond research, the team actively participates in scientific outreach initiatives, such as the Biomaratón & Datablitz de Flora Española, which promote public engagement with botany and conservation efforts.
For more information about the research team’s projects, publications, and collaborations, please visit: www.mariomairal.com.
Research lines / projects proposed
We are an evolutionary biology research team specializing in biogeography, island biology, plant biology and conservation. Our work focuses on understanding the spatial and temporal processes that shape biodiversity, combining field expeditions, laboratory analyses, and cutting-edge computational approaches. By integrating phylogenetics, biogeography, and ecological modeling, we aim to unravel the mechanisms driving biodiversity patterns, particularly in island environments.
Our main research lines include:
Biodiversity responses to climate-driven extinction events
We investigate how past and present climate fluctuations influence biodiversity patterns, identifying key refugia and regions at high risk of biodiversity loss.
Phylogeographic and biogeographic processes in biodiversity hotspots
Our work aims to reconstruct the phylogeographic history of species in endangered biodiversity hotspots, with a special focus on Macaronesia and sub-Antarctic islands.
Island Biogeography and Evolutionary Theory
We explore the dynamics of speciation, dispersal, and extinction in oceanic islands and sky-island systems, contributing to the refinement of Island Biogeography Theory.
Volcanic extinction, continental rifting, and topographic complexity
We study the impact of catastrophic volcanic activity and geological changes on species survival and evolutionary divergence in island ecosystems.
Climatic niche evolution and tempo of vicariance
Our research examines how climatic niches shape lineage diversification, influencing speciation rates across different time scales.
Polyploidy and Evolutionary Consequences
We investigate the evolutionary role of polyploidization in plant diversification, from trait evolution to broader population dynamics.
Sub-Antarctic Biogeography
We study how species in sub-Antarctic islands respond to environmental change, collaborating with institutions across the Southern Hemisphere.
Proposed Research Projects:
1. Deciphering the Evolutionary Assembly of Insular Biodiversity
We aim to understand how dispersal, adaptation, and extinction have shaped the unique biodiversity of Macaronesia and sub-Antarctic islands through phylogeographic and ecological approaches.
2. Evolutionary Consequences of Geomorphological Dynamics
We investigate how volcanism, rifting, and landscape complexity drive speciation and genetic resilience, using molecular and modeling approaches.
3. Polyploidy as a Driver of Speciation and Adaptation
Our research explores the evolutionary advantages of genome duplication in plants, particularly in island environments where polyploid species often thrive.
4. Floristic Evolution and Paleoendemisms in Island Systems
We investigate the biodiversity patterns of paleoendemic and relict plant lineages, with a particular focus on ferns. By integrating floristic inventories, phylogenetics, and niche modeling, we aim to understand the historical and ecological factors shaping plant diversity, especially in Macaronesia and other island systems.
Through our research lines and projects, we aim to contribute to fundamental questions in evolutionary biology, biogeography, and conservation, while ensuring that our findings are published in leading scientific journals and shared with both the academic community and the broader public.
Our main research lines include:
Biodiversity responses to climate-driven extinction events
We investigate how past and present climate fluctuations influence biodiversity patterns, identifying key refugia and regions at high risk of biodiversity loss.
Phylogeographic and biogeographic processes in biodiversity hotspots
Our work aims to reconstruct the phylogeographic history of species in endangered biodiversity hotspots, with a special focus on Macaronesia and sub-Antarctic islands.
Island Biogeography and Evolutionary Theory
We explore the dynamics of speciation, dispersal, and extinction in oceanic islands and sky-island systems, contributing to the refinement of Island Biogeography Theory.
Volcanic extinction, continental rifting, and topographic complexity
We study the impact of catastrophic volcanic activity and geological changes on species survival and evolutionary divergence in island ecosystems.
Climatic niche evolution and tempo of vicariance
Our research examines how climatic niches shape lineage diversification, influencing speciation rates across different time scales.
Polyploidy and Evolutionary Consequences
We investigate the evolutionary role of polyploidization in plant diversification, from trait evolution to broader population dynamics.
Sub-Antarctic Biogeography
We study how species in sub-Antarctic islands respond to environmental change, collaborating with institutions across the Southern Hemisphere.
Proposed Research Projects:
1. Deciphering the Evolutionary Assembly of Insular Biodiversity
We aim to understand how dispersal, adaptation, and extinction have shaped the unique biodiversity of Macaronesia and sub-Antarctic islands through phylogeographic and ecological approaches.
2. Evolutionary Consequences of Geomorphological Dynamics
We investigate how volcanism, rifting, and landscape complexity drive speciation and genetic resilience, using molecular and modeling approaches.
3. Polyploidy as a Driver of Speciation and Adaptation
Our research explores the evolutionary advantages of genome duplication in plants, particularly in island environments where polyploid species often thrive.
4. Floristic Evolution and Paleoendemisms in Island Systems
We investigate the biodiversity patterns of paleoendemic and relict plant lineages, with a particular focus on ferns. By integrating floristic inventories, phylogenetics, and niche modeling, we aim to understand the historical and ecological factors shaping plant diversity, especially in Macaronesia and other island systems.
Through our research lines and projects, we aim to contribute to fundamental questions in evolutionary biology, biogeography, and conservation, while ensuring that our findings are published in leading scientific journals and shared with both the academic community and the broader public.
Key words
Application requirements
Professional Experience & Documents
Prospective fellows interested in joining our research group should submit the following documents for evaluation:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – A detailed and updated CV outlining academic background, research experience, publications, technical skills, and relevant projects.
- Letter of Motivation – A concise statement (1–2 pages) explaining the applicant’s research interests, motivation to join our group, and alignment with our research lines.
- Letters of Recommendation (Optional) – Up to two letters from previous supervisors or collaborators who can provide insight into the applicant’s academic and research abilities.
These documents will help us assess the applicant’s suitability and decide who will be invited to submit a full proposal with our research group.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – A detailed and updated CV outlining academic background, research experience, publications, technical skills, and relevant projects.
- Letter of Motivation – A concise statement (1–2 pages) explaining the applicant’s research interests, motivation to join our group, and alignment with our research lines.
- Letters of Recommendation (Optional) – Up to two letters from previous supervisors or collaborators who can provide insight into the applicant’s academic and research abilities.
These documents will help us assess the applicant’s suitability and decide who will be invited to submit a full proposal with our research group.
One Page Proposal
You can attach the 'One Page Proposal' to enhance the attractiveness of your application. Supervisors usually appreciate it. Please take into account your background and the information provided in Research Team & Research Topic section to fill in it.
Submit an application
Forms