Biodiversity Research Seminar Series (BRS)

BRS Tanja Schwander: Origins and consequences of unorthodox reproductive modes: Insights from stick insects

September 10, 2025, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

host: Judith Mank

Title talk: Origins and consequences of unorthodox reproductive modes: Insights from stick insects

Abstract: Reproduction is a defining feature of life, yet the strategies organisms use to reproduce are remarkably diverse. While sexual reproduction is widespread, many species deviate from this norm, ranging from parthenogenesis, where populations consist entirely of females, to systems in which only the maternal or paternal genome is passed on to offspring. In my talk, I will explore how stick insects have evolved a variety of such unorthodox reproductive systems. Drawing on recent research from our team, I will highlight how these systems provide unique opportunities to investigate the roles of genetic conflict and sex-specific selection in evolution.

Short biography: Tanja Schwander is a professor of evolutionary biology and entomology chair at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland.


  • Biodiversity Research Seminar Series (BRS)

UBC Crest The official logo of the University of British Columbia. Urgent Message An exclamation mark in a speech bubble. Caret An arrowhead indicating direction. Arrow An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. Bluesky The logo for the Bluesky social media service. Chats Two speech clouds. Facebook The logo for the Facebook social media service. Information The letter 'i' in a circle. Instagram The logo for the Instagram social media service. External Link An arrow entering a square. Linkedin The logo for the LinkedIn social media service. Location Pin A map location pin. Mail An envelope. Menu Three horizontal lines indicating a menu. Minus A minus sign. Telephone An antique telephone. Plus A plus symbol indicating more or the ability to add. Search A magnifying glass. Twitter The logo for the Twitter social media service. Youtube The logo for the YouTube video sharing service.