DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Investigating Local Adaptation to Different Habitats in the Blackstripe Topminnow, Fundulus notatus

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Local adaptation occurs when individuals have higher fitness in their native habitats compared to individuals from other habitats. Yet, often the exact factors leading to this are unclear. By utilizing lake and stream populations of a freshwater fish species, the blackstripe topminnow (Fundulus notatus), this work will enhance our understanding of local adaptation to these two habitats and add to our understanding of how body size and shape may reflect local adaptation. It will also examine the effects of changes in flow regime on contemporary evolution in fish, as many Illinois rivers have been impounded to create lakes for recreational fishing. Just as importantly, this work will benefit the local community through providing research opportunities for several college undergraduates and educating citizenry about native Illinois fishes through outreach events.