Luke Mahler, Ph.D.

Center for Population Biology
2320 Storer Hall
University of California, Davis
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
USA

Email: lmahler@ucdavis.edu
Work: (530) 752-5061
Fax: (530) 752-1449
Cell: (615) 419-8952

I am interested in how ecology shapes the evolution of phenotypic diversity during diversification. In particular, my research investigates the relative roles of ecological opportunity versus historical constraint in determining rates and patterns of evolution in Anolis lizards, as well as in other lizard radiations.

To address these questions, I use comparative methods to analyze patterns of macroevolutionary change. I combine phylogenetic hypotheses with measurements of morphological traits to test hypotheses about the evolution of lizard body form over evolutionary time in geographically complex environments.

One recent project tested whether ecological opportunity (or the lack thereof) influenced the rate of morphological evolution as Anolis lizards radiated in the islands of the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico). We found evidence that the rate of evolution was highest when ecological opportunity was greatest, and that evolution slowed down with increasing competition.

Other current projects include testing for phenotypic convergence in replicated adaptive radiations, investigating whether ecomorphological convergence occurs via conserved developmental mechanisms, investigating the opposing influences of sexual selection and natural selection on chameleon morphology, and comparing patterns of phenotypic diversification and convergence in island versus mainland lizard radiations. Check back soon for updates and new papers!