Molecular Ecology publishes papers that utilize molecular genetic techniques to address consequential questions in ecology, evolution, behaviour and conservation. Studies may employ neutral markers for inference about ecological and evolutionary processes or examine ecologically important genes and their products directly. We discourage papers that are primarily descriptive and are relevant only to the taxon being studied. Papers reporting on molecular marker development, molecular diagnostics, barcoding, or DNA taxonomy, or technical methods should be re-directed to our sister journal, Molecular Ecology Resources. Likewise, papers with a strongly applied focus should be submitted to Evolutionary Applications. Research areas of interest to Molecular Ecology include:

• population structure and phylogeography

• reproductive strategies

• relatedness and kin selection

• sex allocation

• population genetic theory

• analytical methods development

• conservation genetics

• speciation genetics

• microbial biodiversity

• evolutionary dynamics of QTLs

• ecological interactions

• molecular adaptation and environmental genomics

• impact of genetically modified organisms

Molecular Ecology concentrates on primary research articles but operates a flexible policy regarding other submissions, including Reviews, Opinion Articles and Commentaries.

Our peer review process averages 33 days (44 days for manuscripts that receive a full peer review). We are consistently working to provide authors with thoughtful, well-reasoned decisions in a prompt and efficient manner. To track the progress of your manuscript, you can visit our Manuscript Central Author Centre and check the status of your submission at any time.