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Breda at waterfall

 

 

Breda Zimkus

Harvard University
Museum of Comparative Zoology
Department of Herpetology
26 Oxford Street
Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

Laboratory Telephone: 617-496-4632
Graduate Student Office: 617-496-4065
Fax Number: 617-495-5667

bzimkus@oeb.harvard.edu

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 focuses 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 70) 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 natalensisPhrynobatrachus natalensis (Ethiopia)  
Phrynobatrachus parvulusPhrynobatrachus parvulus (Malawi) 
Phrynobatrachus pakenhamiPhrynobatrachus pakenhami (Tanzania) 

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In addition to my research, I am currently the Program Coordinator of the Harvard College Science Mentors Program.


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