A genogeographic analysis of caucasian vipers

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Although evolution is fact, the discovery and documentation of its mechanisms of change through time form critical areas of biological investigation. Academically, my program's primary objective is to understand patterns and processes of species diversification, in particular focusing on keystone species in biodiversity hotspots. The work will centre on the biogeographically important Caucasus Mountains, a Biodiversity Hotspot, and on montane vipers. It is also critical to understand the genetic interactions of reunited lineages and their contribution to the genetic differentiation of populations. Consequently, we will continue to study reunited lineages of reptiles in Baja California. Patterns of genetic diversification are extremely interesting and central to our understanding of the process of divergence-the bridge between macro- (species-level) and microevolution (population-level). By incorporating genealogical tree-building analyses, comparative biogeography and statistical population genetics, my research program will explore these issues.