Dr. Yolanda Morbey
Evolutionary ecology of life history timing; Great Lakes fisheries
![]() |
Position: Assistant Professor Office: BGS 2074 Phone: 519 661-2111 ext. 80116 E-mail: ymorbey@uwo.ca Website: http://publish.uwo.ca/~ymorbey/ |
Degrees and Institutions:
- B.Sc. (Biology) University of Victoria
- M.Sc. (Biology) Simon Fraser University
- Ph.D. (Biology) Simon Fraser University
Previous Research Appointments:
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Dept. of Zoology, University of Toronto
- Research Scientist, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Research:
Evolutionary ecology of life history timing: The timing of major events in an organism’s life history strongly influences their fitness. Characterization of the selection factors acting on timing and the evolutionary response to these factors is the primary focus of my research. These studies typically integrate mathematical modeling with field and laboratory studies; this deepens our understanding of how natural selection shapes seasonal and life history timing within and among populations. Ultimately, this approach will allow us to predict the evolutionary consequences of rapid environmental change. Although we predominately work on salmonid fishes, much of the theory we develop can be applied to other taxa.
Great Lakes fishes and fisheries: The Laurentian Great Lakes ecosystem has been the life blood of our region for centuries but invasive species, pollution, and poor fisheries and water management practices continue to jeopardize its health. I work closely with management agencies and other academic institutions on applied research projects related to the conservation and management of Great Lakes fishes. Currently we are studying patterns of local adaptation in lake trout and the population structure of Chinook salmon in Lake Huron.


