Speciation in Landscapes of Gene Flow
Our understanding of the speciation process is limited for many morphologically similar and geographically proximate lineages of vertebrates. We are combining phylogenomic tools and key phenotypic traits to understand patterns of speciation in a near-globally distributed rodent family (the squirrels; Sciuridae). This work integrates genomics, high-resolution analysis of shape and size in the baculum (the highly variable male genital bone), and biogeographic analyses to forge new links between landscape-level trait variation and the evolution of reproductive isolation.
Our understanding of the speciation process is limited for many morphologically similar and geographically proximate lineages of vertebrates. We are combining phylogenomic tools and key phenotypic traits to understand patterns of speciation in a near-globally distributed rodent family (the squirrels; Sciuridae). This work integrates genomics, high-resolution analysis of shape and size in the baculum (the highly variable male genital bone), and biogeographic analyses to forge new links between landscape-level trait variation and the evolution of reproductive isolation.
Cold Desert Phylogeography
We are using genomic-scale datasets to understand landscape-level processes (gene flow, historical biogeography and demography) shaping the genomes of desert rodents in cold-winter deserts on two different continents (Great Basin Desert in North America, Gobi Desert in Asia). Compared to North America, impacts of past climate change on Central Asian mammals in particular are poorly understood. This cross-continental work involves specimen-based research approaches and ongoing field expeditions to better understand impacts of past and present climate changes on mammals in these climatically unique regions.
We are using genomic-scale datasets to understand landscape-level processes (gene flow, historical biogeography and demography) shaping the genomes of desert rodents in cold-winter deserts on two different continents (Great Basin Desert in North America, Gobi Desert in Asia). Compared to North America, impacts of past climate change on Central Asian mammals in particular are poorly understood. This cross-continental work involves specimen-based research approaches and ongoing field expeditions to better understand impacts of past and present climate changes on mammals in these climatically unique regions.
Essential Mammal Traits and Global Change
There is increasing evidence that climate change is impacting not only the distributions and genetic diversity of species, but also core ecological and life history traits. Unfortunately, records of these effects are sparse for mammals, many of which are nocturnal and difficult to observe. We are leveraging a variety of data sources to build spatiotemporally explicit databases documenting variation in core life history traits of common North American small mammals (Peromyscus, Microtus, Clethrionomys spp.) over the past century as a means to more effectively track species responses to global change drivers.
There is increasing evidence that climate change is impacting not only the distributions and genetic diversity of species, but also core ecological and life history traits. Unfortunately, records of these effects are sparse for mammals, many of which are nocturnal and difficult to observe. We are leveraging a variety of data sources to build spatiotemporally explicit databases documenting variation in core life history traits of common North American small mammals (Peromyscus, Microtus, Clethrionomys spp.) over the past century as a means to more effectively track species responses to global change drivers.
