João Carvalho

I am currently a postdoc researcher with the EVOCHANGE group. I did my PhD in Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution at the University of Lisbon. During that time, I developed innovative tools for inferring past demographic events in populations, mainly using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). I then applied those methods to investigate local adaptation and analyse contrasting scenarios of ecotype formation, providing insights into how populations evolve in response to environmental pressures. 

My research interests are focused on uncovering the evolutionary mechanisms that drive adaptation in natural populations. I am particularly fascinated by how population history, genetic diversity, and ecological factors interact to shape adaptive variation. In my current work, I am integrating ecological modelling with demographic inference to explore the adaptive evolution of traits that may be advantageous in changing environments. More specifically, I am working on winter colour variation in natural populations. I am investigating this trait's potential for rapid adaptation to climate change, while taking into account limits imposed by demographic processes. Through this research, I hope to contribute to our understanding of how natural populations can sustain and enhance their adaptive potential in the face of ecological challenges.