Variation in life history and physiology of reptiles: adaptation at the extremes

我的研究项目考察了多个空间和时间尺度上的表型差异：随着时间的推移，在个体内，在种群中的个体之间，在同种种群之间，以及在物种之间。我从事的应用工作集中在空间生态学、关键栖息地识别和濒危海龟物种的恢复；以及基础研究，重点是爬行动物生活史、母体投资和生理生态的变化。这项工作的总体目标是调查这样一种假设，即环境极端(在自然界中和在实验室中模拟的)会导致种群内和种群之间的生物受到不同的选择压力，并且这些压力会导致最大限度地适应和节省能源的独特表型适应。因此，我的研究考察了动物对压力环境的反应，包括自然发生的环境和人类活动造成的环境。此外，除了为加拿大濒危爬行动物物种的保护计划提供必要的数据外，这项工作还测试了关键概念和问题，这些概念和问题将促进进化生态学领域的知识。我的研究项目在培训学生方面有着很好的记录，并纳入了外展教育和管理活动。

My research program examines phenotypic variation at multiple spatial and temporal scales: within individuals over time, among individuals in a population, among conspecific populations, and among species. I conduct applied work that focuses on the spatial ecology, critical habitat identification, and recovery of turtle species at risk; and basic research that focuses on variation in life history, maternal investment, and physiological-ecology of reptiles. The overall objective of the work is to investigate the hypothesis that environmental extremes (in nature and mimicked in the lab) result in different selective pressures on organisms within and among populations, and that these pressures result in unique phenotypic adaptations for maximizing fitness and saving energy. Thus, my research examines how animals respond to stressful environments, including those that occur naturally and those that result from human activities. Furthermore, the work tests key concepts and questions that will advance knowledge in the field of evolutionary ecology, in addition to providing essential data for conservation programs for Canada's reptile species at risk. My research program has a strong record of training students, and incorporating outreach education and stewardship activities.