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Mr Henry North

College position(s)

Fellow

Subject

Natural Sciences (Physical and Biological)

Specialising in

Tucker-Price Research Fellow in Zoology

Degrees, Awards and Prizes 

MSc

Research Themes 

I am an evolutionary geneticist interested in rapid, anthropogenic evolution. I specialize in the study of agricultural pests and invasive species, which pose significant threats to food security and global biodiversity. This threat is exacerbated by the evolution of pesticide resistance. During my PhD in the Insect Evolution and Genomics Group here in Cambridge, I studied an invasive caterpillar in Brazil: the noctuid Helicoverpa armigera. This invasive species hybridized with a native pest species, Helicoverpa zea. I showed that hybridization resulted in the bi-directional exchange of resistance alleles between species, despite the maintenance of distinct species boundaries where they now co-occur. The exchange of genetic variants that had already been optimised through selection resulted in rapid adaptation in both species. Using genomic monitoring, I also traced the spread of a resistance gene from H. armigera into the North American population of H. zea. 

My current work seeks to extend population genomic analysis from retrodiction (understanding recent evolutionary change) to predictive forecasting of the potential range of invasive species. I am developing this approach by studying the ongoing spread of Helicoverpa armigera into North America. I also use this system to study rapid adaptation and the evolution of reproductive isolation. I am interested in the evolution of invasive species and pesticide resistance more generally, and encourage enquiries from potential collaborators, undergraduate researchers, and postgraduate researchers.

Responsibilities 

In the Department of Zoology, I deliver lectures in the Part II module Evolution and Behaviour: Genes and Individuals. I am also a supervisor for the Part IB Module Evolution and Animal Diversity. I have previously supervised Part II Evolutionary Genetics and Adaptation in the departments of Genetics and Zoology.

Other 

  • PhD award: Cambridge Society for the Application of Research (2024) 
  • Evolution, Ecology & Conservation Genomics Research Award: American Genetics Association (2024) 
  • Rosemary Grant Graduate Research Excellence Award: Society for the Study of Evolution (2023)

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