DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Historical Processes and Genetic Implications of Limb Reduction and Loss in an Island Skink Lineage

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The transition from fully limbed to limbless body plans has occurred repeatedly in many unrelated groups of reptiles. This project will investigate the process of limb reduction and loss, and how the patterns of limb changes are correlated with genetic patterns of species relationships in burrowing lizards of the skink genus Brachymeles from Southeast Asia. Species in this group exhibit a full range of limb development, including fully limbed, intermediate, and limbless forms. By integrating genetic data, measurements of body form, ecology, and geography, this study will provide a basis for testable hypotheses in studies of limb loss.This will be the first study to investigate fine-scale population genetic patterns associated with limb reduction and loss related to a burrowing lifestyle. Fieldwork will involve Philippine students and local communities. Collaborative efforts with the Philippine-American Education Foundation will provide opportunities for Philippine-American and American Fulbright Fellows. Results will be used to develop exhibits on evolution of limb reduction at the University of Kansas Natural History Museum. Finally, this project is expected to enhance the known reptile diversity in SE Asia, and provide avenues for future collaborative research.