DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Speciation and diversification within Furcifer lateralis, the most widespread chameleon complex in Madagascar

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This study will test alternative hypotheses about the processes driving speciation, using the Furcifer lateralis chameleon complex across the continental island of Madagascar as a study system. This endemic species complex is ideal for speciation research because it is broadly distributed within most habitats of the island, exhibits regional differences in morphology, coloration, genetics, and behavior, and appears to represent a recently evolved species radiation. Novel species will be identified with molecular and morphological characters, and then evaluated for ecological niche divergence and reproductive isolation to test between competing speciation hypotheses. The results of this research will be disseminated to the general public through use of multimedia resources, including video and blog content for the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) website. Additionally, lower-income urban students will be introduced to phylogeographic methods through the AMNH after-school program, and a Malagasy graduate student will be trained in ecology and evolutionary biology.