Molecular systematics, taxonomy, and functional morpohology of the hemichordates

三个主要后口动物类群之间的关系模式，后口动物祖先的性质以及脊索动物的进化起源只能参考一个健全的后口动物系统发育来理解。后口动物包括三个主要门：棘皮动物、半硬皮动物和脊索动物。我实验室的研究工作包括：1)后口动物的分子系统发育分析，重点是半足虫；2)29个肠虫新种的分类和动物地理学研究；3)肠虫鳃缝的形态和功能意义；4)肠虫上皮颗粒细胞的组成和功能。这些研究需要解决后口动物的进化问题，后口动物是我们所属的生命之树上的分支，它们对于欣赏和保护海洋生物的多样性至关重要。

The pattern of relationships among the three major deuterostome taxa, the nature of the deuterostome ancestor, and the evolutionary origin of the chordates can only be understood with reference to a robust deuterostome phylogeny. Deuterostomes consist of three major phyla: the echinoderms, hemichordates and chordates.  Research from my lab include i) molecular phylogenetic analysis of the deuterostomes with emphasis on the hemichordates, ii) the taxonomy and zoogeography of 29 new species of enteropneust, iii) the form and functional significance of gill slits in Enteropneusta, and iv) the composition and function of epithelial granular cells in the Enteropneusta. These studies are needed to resolve the evolution of the deuterostomes, the branch on the tree of life to which we belong, and they are crucial to appreciating and preserving the diversity of life in our oceans.