Biological diversity – so much more than counting species
Examples of similar but not identical plants in Abisko – polar willow, Salix polaris (hairy) and dwarf willow, Salix herbacea (not hairy). Photo: Sophie Karrenberg.
When we talk about biological diversity, we also need to know how species arise. What can actually be counted as a species is not as obvious as one might think.
Sophie Karrenberg, professor at the Department of Ecology and Genetics at Uppsala University. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt.
It is widely known that the number of species on Earth is declining. However, there is still much we do not know about the processes behind biodiversity. One of several processes that lead to the formation of new species is that organisms adapt to their environment.
– Species formation is constantly occurring in nature, says Sophie Karrenberg, professor at the Department of Ecology and Genetics at Uppsala University.
Her research focuses on understanding exactly how species arise. Species are groups of organisms within which fertile offspring can be produced. For example, a donkey and a horse can have a foal together, but the foal will be sterile.
– This means that the speciation process is coming to an end. Polar bears and brown bears, on the other hand, can still produce fertile offspring with each other. It is more common than one might think that the speciation process is not complete, says Sophie Karrenberg.
She herself studies plants first and foremost. In flora, gene flow between species is common. Among other things, Sophie Karrenberg is looking at why red and white campion, which can hybridise with each other, are being driven apart.
– I am also investigating sex chromosomes in the willow genus. We know that they can contribute to the speciation process, but we don’t know how, she says.
Sophie Karrenberg explains that she had previously considered pursuing applied research, but ultimately decided that basic research is her strength. In order to meet future challenges relating to biodiversity, it is necessary to understand the processes of speciation, she believes.
– When it comes to protecting species, we need to know what we mean by a species. In some cases, we don’t know whether we have a complete species or not.
There are also several ways of assessing biological diversity. In addition to counting species, we can look at genetic diversity within species.
– Species and populations that carry significant genetic variation have better opportunities to adapt. This is important in view of future climate change, says Sophie Karrenberg.
The area of strength Evolution and Biodiversity in a Changing World creates new points of contact for researchers in evolution and nature conservation, respectively, which she wants to emphasise the importance of.
– It is a privilege to be here and to be able to make the most of my basic research, says Sophie Karrenberg.
Sigrid Asker