DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Conquering land: the evolution of reproductive modes in Narrow-mouth frogs (Anura, Microhylidae)

通过对DNA序列和形态特征的综合研究，包括使用高分辨率计算机断层扫描，我们将研究一大批两栖动物-分布在世界各地的窄口蛙（Microhylidae）对陆地和树木生活方式的适应。微杂交种并不完全局限于繁殖用水，许多种群已经完全放弃了繁殖用水的需要。对这些青蛙与这种转变（水生到陆地繁殖）相关的解剖适应性的研究，可以帮助我们从整体上理解脊椎动物的陆生进化。与这项研究有关的结果和数据将通过各种渠道（科学期刊、报纸、互联网）向科学界和公众广泛传播。课程材料将与教育部、美国自然历史博物馆（AMNH）共同开发，作为美国自然历史博物馆本科生科研指导和研究经验项目的一部分，向高中生和本科生介绍现代研究主题和技术。

Through an integrative study of DNA sequences and morphological features, including the use of high-resolution computer tomography, we will study the adaptations to terrestrial and arboreal lifestyles in a large group of amphibians - the worldwide-distributed narrow-mouthed frogs (Microhylidae). Microhylids are not entirely restricted to the water for breeding, and many groups have completely abandoned the need of water for reproduction. Examination of anatomical adaptations related to this transition (aquatic to terrestrial breeding) in these frogs can help us understand the evolution of terrestriality in vertebrates as a whole.Results and data associated with this research will be broadly disseminated for both the scientific community and general public through a variety of outlets (scientific journals, newspapers, internet). Curriculum material will be developed together with the Department of Education the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) as part of the Science Research Mentoring and the Research Experience for Undergrads program at the AMNH, introducing high school and undergrad students to moderns research topics and techniques.