Ecological genetics uses genetics to explore the ecology and especially evolution of organisms. Ecological geneticists see evolution as a dynamic process that can be observed in nature (for more on ecological genetics see The Ecological Geneticist's Creed on p. 599 of the linked pdf).

Fungi encompass a diverse array of microorganisms with myriad niches. DNA technologies have facilitated an explosion of knowledge related to fungal diversity, biogeography, and the autecology of individual species, including the discovery of cryptic sexuality in ostensibly asexual taxa. The Pringle laboratory is dedicated to both the use of fungi as tools ideal for testing and elucidating general principles of ecological genetics, and the translation of biological paradigms to fungi.