Molecular Systematics   We are interested in determining the amount of genetic variation associated to speciation events and its relationship to morphological and behavioral differentiation. We want to establish robust phylogenetic frameworks onto which discuss morphological and behavioral adaptation, and the historical generation of current biogeographical patterns. We focus mainly in fish systematics at the family level, and the phylogenetic relationships of controversial groups of fishes, amphibians, and reptiles. In the future, we want to develop new molecular markers to analyze rapid radiation events, and we would like to apply population genetic studies to conservation biology. Molecular Evolution    We are interested in the study of mitochondrial and nuclear sequence variation. Our research inthis field includes the evolution of gene families, the birth and death of microsatellites, intron evolution, molecular positive selection, the causes underlying incorrect phylogenetic inferences, etc. Although our approach is largely empirical, we want to develop a strong interest in the theory of evolutionary analysis of amino acid and nucleotide sequences. Developmental Evolution    We would like to understand better the connection between ontogeny and phylogeny using a molecular approach. In particular, we are interested in comparing the expression patterns of developmental genes in vertebrates with highly differentiated morphologies (which are viewed as natural advantageous mutants). We want to determine the developmental gene hierarchies involved in the generation of novel morphological stuctures, and to assess the importance of functional co-options of developmental gene paralogs. We also pursue a better understanding of the role of heterochrony in evolution.