Hidden Biodiversity: Evolution, Ecology and Conservation.

We work on evolution, diversity and ecology of enigma organisms, neglected by traditional researchers, but which are key to understand the origins and diversity of life, and ecosystems’ functioning. We use phylogenetic and phylogenomic approaches to reconstruct evolutionary patterns. We study their biodiversity in strategic regions, such as biodiversity hotspots, or extreme environments. Moreover, we also study their direct implications on ecosystems health and species conservation, without forgetting other matters such as biological invasions, and the effect of these organisms in the monumental stone bioweathering. As a multidisciplinary group, we analyze their relevance as bio-indicators of eutrophication and contamination of aquatic systems, detect emerging diseases, survey their implications on soil quality and aquatic systems, and evaluate their use as models to detect climate change, and to monitor natural spaces.