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One Tree Island

Professor Maria Byrne

Director One Tree Island Research Station

In multidisciplinary research we investigate development and evolution in closely related species with contrasting life histories. Current projects involve invertebrates from tropical and temperate Australia with a focus on echinoderms (starfish, sea urchin) and molluscs (snails, bivalves). We compare development from conception to adult body plan formation in species for which we have data on genetic relatedness to map developmental change on an evolutionary time-line.

Documenting the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying developmental change is key to understanding evolutionary phenomena such as formation of new species and the origin of our own phylum, the Chordata. Current research focuses on neurogenesis and origins of the CNS. Our research on environmental toxicology and animal reproduction investigates the conservation status of aquatic animals and the health of aquatic ecosystems.