How physiological adaptations affect evolutionary adaptations
A central issue in understanding natural selection is the relationship between physiological adaptations and evolutionary adaptations. Though extensively discussed in qualitative terms, quantitative analysis has been lacking. Under the guidance of Marc Kirschner and Michael Brenner I am studying this relationship using hemoglobin as a model system, relying on extensive experimental data measured for various organisms and under varying conditions. In a related effort I am trying to experimentally map the adaptive fitness landscape and its response to changing environments using experimental evolution with e. coli.