The Bely Lab has several research foci:
Integrative Biology of Regeneration and Asexual Reproduction We study how and why regeneration, asexual reproduction, and other post-embryonic developmental processes have evolved and diversified across animals. We focus on several groups of invertebrates, especially annelids (segmented worms), and use a variety of approaches, including developmental, physiological, molecular, and phylogenetic studies. Biology of Freshwater Annelids Annelids (segmented worms) are abundant in freshwaters throughout the world and play important ecological roles in freshwater communities. We study the evolution, ecology, physiology, and life histories of freshwater annelids. Our work has a particular emphasis on naidids - tiny, delicate, and beautiful annelids that reproduce primarily asexually and are particularly common among freshwater meiofauna. |