RNDr. Radka Reifová, Ph.D.

Unit: Animal Evolutionary Biology

Web: https://web.natur.cuni.cz/~radkas/

Specialization: evolutionary genetics, speciation, interspecific hybridization, genome evolution, sex chromosomes, programmed DNA elimination, germline development, gametogenesis, hybrid sterility.

Research: I lead the Evolutionary Genetics research group at the Department of Zoology. Our work focuses on the genetic and ecological aspects of species origin. Most of our work is done on various bird species. We are interested in how reproductive barriers evolve between emerging species, how interspecific hybridization influences species evolution, and why sex chromosomes play a key role in the origin of reproductive isolation. In this context, we study genome evolution not only at the level of individual genes, but also in terms of larger structural chromosomal rearrangements and the evolution of repetitive sequences such as centromeres and transposable elements. In recent years, we have been focusing on an unusual chromosome found in songbirds, which occurs exclusively in the germ cells that give rise to gametes - eggs and sperm. We are investigating when and how this chromosome arose, how it is eliminated from somatic cells, as well as the evolutionary consequences of its existence.

Teaching: In my lectures I try to bring an evolutionary perspective to various genetic phenomena and show how a deeper understanding of genetic and molecular processes contributes to our understanding of evolution. I teach the master's course Evolutionary Genetics and participate in lectures Fundamentals of Genetics, Genetic Methods in Zoology, Molecular Applications in Zoology, and Journal Club in Evolution. Additionally, I am involved in teaching the practical courses in Vertebrate Zoology.