Evolutionary biologist · Phylogenetics & biogeography · Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc

Dr. Praveen Karanth

Reading the deep history of life in the genome.

I'm an evolutionary biologist and phylogeneticist at the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. I study genetic variation — within species through population genetics and phylogeography, and among species through phylogenetics — to answer questions in ecology, evolution, behaviour and conservation biology.

Portrait of Dr. Praveen Karanth, photographed outdoors against soft green foliage.

About

My work reconstructs the deep history of life across the Indian subcontinent. Using molecular tools, I work on systematics, historical biogeography and phylogeography, species delimitation, character evolution and conservation genetics — across study systems that range from langurs and leaf monkeys to Hemidactylus and Cyrtodactylus geckos, fan-throated lizards, butterflies, tarantulas, centipedes and plants.

Background

Education

  • Postdoctoral research

    Yale University · 2002–2005

    University of Haifa · 2000–2001

  • PhD, Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour

    State University of New York at Albany · 1994–2000

  • BSc, Agriculture

    University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore · 1989–1993

Professional experience

  • Professor

    Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc · 2018–present

  • Associate Professor

    Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc · 2011–2018

  • Assistant Professor

    Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc · 2005–2011

Teaching & roles

I teach Advanced Methods in Molecular Phylogenetics (EC304) and co-teach Evolutionary Biology (EC201) at IISc, and serve on the editorial board of the Journal of Genetics. For an up-to-date list of publications and citation metrics, see my Google Scholar profile (opens in new tab).