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Breda Zimkus, Ph.D Harvard University Laboratory Telephone: 617-496-4632 |
I am a biologist interested in the systematics and evolution of amphibians and reptiles.
My research combines fieldwork in sub-Saharan Africa with the collection of molecular and morphological data in the laboratory in order to answer interesting questions regarding evolutionary biology.
My dissertation research focused on the systematics of puddle frogs (Anura: Phrynobatrachidae) from sub-Saharan Africa. These diminutive anurans have given taxonomists a great deal of difficulty due to inadequate descriptions, numerous species (approximately 75) and lack of distinguishing morphological characters. I am using molecular data to construct a phylogeny of this notoriously difficult family. I will use this phylogeny to resolve the taxonomy of the group, as well as investigate evolution of karyotype diversity, body size, and reproductive mode within the lineage.
![]() Phrynobatrachus natalensis (Ethiopia) |
Phrynobatrachus parvulus (Malawi) |
![]() SS Phrynobatrachus pakenhami (Tanzania) |
RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS Zimkus, B.M. and S. Schick. Use of the 16S rRNA gene to identify puddle frogs (Anura: Phrynobatrachidae) of East Africa. Systematics and Biodiversity. Accepted. Zimkus, B.M. 2008. Biogeographic analysis of puddle frogs across Cameroon and description of a new species of Phrynobatrachus (Anura: Phrynobatrachidae) endemic to Mount Oku, Cameroon. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. In Press.
RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS: Geographic Distribution Notes |