Dissertation Research: Speciation and Underlying Processes in Graptemys

自达尔文以来，科学家们一直在探索物种的形成以及通过杂交维持或破坏物种的问题。这个项目阐述了最新的机械理论及其对自然物种复合体的适用性。研究将集中在物种形成，维持物种完整性的机制，以及在物种最丰富的海龟群体(地图龟)中的求偶。面部颜色模式的差异被认为是物种识别和配偶选择的关键因素。研究人员将研究遗传、形态和行为之间的相互作用，特别是当它们与物种的起源和维持有关时。这个项目的更广泛的目标是1)确定这一群体中海龟物种的历史关系，2)确定面部颜色模式在物种识别和求偶中的作用，3)评估面部颜色模式在形成新物种中所起的作用。这些目标将通过结合实地和实验室方法的综合研究来实现，以产生对物种形成和杂交的更强、更广泛的理解。该项目的多面性为在实地和实验室环境中指导本科生(包括代表性不足的群体和妇女)提供了一个重要机会。

Since Darwin, scientists have continually inquired about the formation of species and their maintenance or breakdown via hybridization. This project addresses recent mechanistic theories and their applicability to a natural species complex. Research will focus on speciation, mechanisms that maintain the integrity of species, and courtship in one of the most species rich groups of turtles (map turtles). Facial color pattern differences are thought to be a key element in species identification and mate choice. The investigators will examine the interplay of genetics, morphology, and behavior, particularly as they relate to the origins and maintenance of species.The broader goals of this project are 1) to determine the historical relationships of the turtle species in this group, 2) to identify the role of facial color pattern in species identification and courtship, and 3) to evaluate the extent to which facial color pattern has played a role in forming new species. These goals will be addressed using an integrative study combining field and laboratory methods to generate a stronger, broader understanding of speciation and hybridization. The multi-faceted nature of this project provides an important opportunity to mentor undergraduates (including underrepresented groups and women) in both field and laboratory settings.