Our task
The comparative analysis of genomes and transcriptomes is establishing itself as an elementary component of biodiversity research. New sequencing technologies as well as developments in analysis methods and algorithms enable us to analyze samples from collections and the environment, especially from non-model organisms, as well as entire populations.
The Comparative Genomics Section at the zmb analyzes biodiversity in an evolutionary context in an attempt to better understand phenotypic and genomic changes within vertebrates.
Linking genotype and phenotype
Dr. Astrid Böhne represents this section with outstanding expertise in the areas of de novo sequencing and assembly as well as comparative genome-wide analyses.
The focus of this section is on the genomic architecture of phenotypic novelties and adaptive traits as well as speciation processes.
Projects in the Comparative Genomics Section deal in detail with population dynamics, speciation, gene flow, hybridization, adaptation and conflicts between the sexes, especially in fish.
Biodiversity
We are interested in the origin, interaction and distribution of new species and focus in particular on extremely successful animal groups that are part of speciation hotspots and (adaptive) radiations but also invasive and hybridizing species to understand drivers and threats of biodiversity genomically.
Genome research at the zmb collaborates intensively with scientists from the sections Bioinformatic Genomics and Phylogenomics.
Contact person
Projects
SynSex - Sexual selection and conflict in Syngnathidae
Management: Dr. habil. Astrid Böhne
BIGFOOT - BIodiversity decline's Genomic FOOTprint
Management: Dr. habil. Astrid Böhne
ColLomic
Management: Dr. habil. Astrid Böhne
ERGA - The European Reference Genome Atlas
Management: Dr. habil. Astrid Böhne
BGE - Biodiversity Genomics Europe
Management: Dr. habil. Astrid Böhne
Sex chromosomes in cichlids
Management: Dr. habil. Astrid Böhne
Publications
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2025/12
Long-read sequencing and genome assembly of natural history collection samples and challenging specimens
Genome Biology, 1, 26
2025/2
ERGA-BGE Reference Genome of Loboptera subterranea: a cave adapted cockroach endemic to the Canary Islands
2025/2
ERGA-BGE genome of Coenonympha oedippus: an IUCN endangered European butterfly species occurring in two ecotypes
2025/2
Investigation of sex determination in African cichlids reveals lack of fixed sex chromosomes in wild populations
Journal of Evolutionary Biology
2025/1
A chromosome-level, haplotype-resolved genome assembly and annotation for the Eurasian minnow (Leuciscidae: Phoxinus phoxinus) provide evidence of haplotype diversity
Gigascience, 14
2025/1
FOGS: A SNPSTR Marker Database to Combat Wildlife Trafficking and a Cell Culture Bank for Ex‐Situ Conservation
Molecular Ecology resources
2025/1
ERGA-BGE genome ofErebia palaricaChapman, 1905: a montane butterfly endemic to North-West Iberia
2025/1
ERGA-BGE genome of the Spanish Moon MothGraellsia isabellaeGraells, 1849: a nocturnal lepidopteran protected by the Habitats Directive
2025/1
ERGA-BGE genome of Stigmatoteuthis arcturi Robson, 1948: the jewelled squid
2025/1
A high-quality reference genome for the Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) enables investigations of cell cultures as a genomic resource for endangered species
2025/1
ERGA-BGE genome of Cheirolophus tagananensis: an IUCN endangered shrub endemic to the Canary Islands
2025/1
ERGA-BGE genome ofAndrosace saussureiDentant, Lavergne, F. C. Boucher & S. Ibanez, a recently described plant from the rooftops of Europe
2025/1
ERGA-BGE genome ofPinctada radiata(Leach, 1814): one of the first Lessepsian migrants
2025/1
ERGA-BGE Reference Genome ofPhyllidia flava(Nudibranchia: Phyllidiidae), a Relict Species Endemic to the Mediterranean Sea
2024/12
The European Reference Genome Atlas: piloting a decentralised approach to equitable biodiversity genomics
npj Biodiversity, 1, 3
2024/12
Contextualising samples: supporting reference genomes of European biodiversity through sample and associated metadata collection
npj Biodiversity, 1, 3
2024/12
Museomics reveal origins of East African Pleophylla forest chafers and Miocene forest connectivity
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 201
2024/12
ERGA-BGE Reference Genome of Gluvia dorsalis: An Endemic Sun Spider from Iberian Arid Regions
2024/12
ERGA-BGE Reference Genome of the Striped Field Mouse (Apodemus agrarius), a Widespread and Abundant Species in Central and Eastern Europe
2024/11
ERGA-BGE Reference Genome of the Northern chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra): Europe’s most abundant mountain ungulate
2024/10
Sulawesi stream fish communities depend on connectivity and habitat diversity
Journal of Fish Biology
2024/10
German Barcode of Life, Entdeckung und Beschreibung neuer Arten
2024/10
The ASV Registry: a place for ASVs to be
Metabarcoding and Metagenomics, 8
2024/8
Integrative characterisation of the Northwestern European species of Anacharis Dalman, 1823 (Hymenoptera, Cynipoidea, Figitidae) with the description of three new species
Journal of Hymenoptera Research, 97
2024/8
Exkursion in den Kaukasus: Der CaBOL BioBlitz 2022 in Armenien und Georgien
2025
2024
Employees
MSc Aryadevi Anitha Shaji
zmb Comparative Genomics - Vertebrates Doctoral candidatePhone: +49 228 9122 407
E-mail: a.shaji@leibniz-lib.deDr. habil. Astrid Böhne
zmb Comparative Genomics - Vertebrates ScientistPhone: +49 228 9122 365
E-mail: a.boehne@leibniz-lib.deMSc Nina Casillas
zmb Comparative Genomics - Vertebrates Doctoral candidatePhone: +49 228 9122 379
E-mail: n.casillas@leibniz-lib.deMSc Ioannis Chrysostomakis
zmb Comparative Genomics - Vertebrates Doctoral candidatePhone: +49 228 9122 369
E-mail: i.chrysostomakis@leibniz-lib.deMSc Kevin Hsiung
zmb Comparative Genomics - Vertebrates Doctoral candidatePhone: +49 228 9122 369
E-mail: k.hsiung@leibniz-lib.deSandra Kukowka
zmb Comparative Genomics - VertebratesPhone: +49 228 9122 343
E-mail: s.kukowka@leibniz-lib.deDr. Annika Mozer
zmb Comparative Genomics - Vertebrates Doctoral candidatePhone: +49 228 9122 355
E-mail: a.mozer@leibniz-lib.deJan Möhring
ztm Ichthyology Bonn Doctoral candidatePhone: +49 228 9122 431
E-mail: j.moehring@leibniz-lib.deMSc Sophie Smith
zmb Comparative Genomics - Vertebrates Doctoral candidatePhone: +49 228 9122 369
E-mail: s.smith@leibniz-lib.deRita Mafalda Soares Monteiro
zmb Comparative Genomics - Vertebrates ScientistPhone: +49 228 9122 369
E-mail: r.monteiro@leibniz-lib.de