Evolutionary biology and systematics of arthropods

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Objectives: I explore and analyze diversity and evolution of species and communities of arthropods, especially scavenging beetles in forest leaf-litter, and faunal  assemblages on geographic islands and in habitat islands such as caves.  Islands and caves are chosen as frequently repeated natural experiments in replicating "simple" communities. Approach:  I use extensive field work to gather data on the presence of arthropod species, and their life cycles, habitat preferences, behaviour, ecology, etc. The approach provides a taxonomic data-base, and is aimed at testing and supplementing general ecological and evolutionary theory as well as generating and testing new hypotheses of species and community origin and organization.  Laboratory and museum study prepares systematic reviews and revisions to document patterns of biodiversity (including biochemical methods).   Significance: The work contributes to baseline documentation of arthropod diversity in forest-litter, caves, and islands.  Arthropods are life's most diverse phylum, and I contend that we know the least about arthropods on a per-species basis.  Generalities on patterns and processes in ecology and evolution will be further strengthened with data and tests from arthropods.  My work preserves samples of vanishing tropical arthropod biodiversity, and gives a standard for measuring disturbance impact, as in the Galapagos Islands.  Since 1989, my work there has added some 900 insect species (50% of the total) to the known fauna of the islands through innovative sampling methodologies.  Lastly, the research involves and supports students at all levels, and contributes to their training to meet further scientific manpower needs.  Student projects often have an applied or conservation orientation.