Adaptation: Pattern and Process

My research focuses on whether, how, and why populations adapt to selection pressures in the wild. Specifically, I study the ecological and evolutionary consequences of a novel interaction between two species of Anolis lizard on small islands in the Mosquito and Indian River Lagoons on the Atlantic coast of Florida.

 

Pattern: I am comparing shifts in habitat use and morphology in A. carolinensis on islands where it is sympatric with a recently arrived congener, A. sagrei, versus islands where A. carolinensis is the only anole. Based on the strong, adaptive relationship between habitat use and morphology in Anolis, we have clear predictions for how A. carolinensis should be evolving in response to the presence of A. sagrei.

 

Process: I am investigating why the presence of A. sagrei leads to habitat shifts in A. carolinensis.

N.B.: Undergraduates, if you are looking for a research opportunity, please click on the URO tab at the top of the page.

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