Vertebrate molecular ecology and conservation biology

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My research integrates modern genetic approaches with traditional ecological studies of vertebrate populations in three areas of 'molecular ecology'. The first area uses variable DNA markers to examine the 'microsystematics' of morphologically divergent vertebrate populations. My recent Discovery Grant looked at genetic versus morphological divergence in Galapagos mockingbirds and threatened North American frog and falcon populations. My second research area uses DNA profiling to detect extra-pair fertilization (EPF) in vertebrates, with several successful ongoing collaborative studies. My next Discovery Grant will continue these long-term parentage studies, testing why female passerines seek EPF, often with multiple males. Microsatellite and MHC markers can be used to assess 'genetic quality' in birds, and with the accumulating data on lifetime reproductive success in 2 species (Black-capped chickadees and American redstarts) we can test competing explanations for passerine EPF. The third area focuses on vertebrate conservation issues, and my next Discovery Grant will emphasize work with Canadian polar bear populations in M'Clintock Channel, Nunavut. Polar bears rely on sea ice for survival and there is concern that climate change may negatively impact polar bear populations as sea ice cover shrinks across the arctic. DNA profiles will be used to describe polar bear mating systems and to explore the use of noninvasive genetic monitoring of polar bear populations as an adjunct to traditional aerial mark and recapture censuses. A unique feature of our approach is the incorporation of Nunavut communities into the census process, and assessment of the potential for traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) to augment standard survey methods. My lab plans to take full advantage of rapidly emerging NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) technology now becoming available for molecular ecology studies of non-model wildlife species. My program has been successful at producing high impact publications and well-trained personnel now making their own contributions in a wide variety of areas. The proposed work will maintain my lab at the forefront of research in molecular ecology in Canada and abroad.