Project Description: 

The Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles form an andesitic volcanic island chain in the along the edge of the Caribbean plate. A global biodiversity hotspot, the Lesser Antilles are characterized by high rates of endemism across islands and colonization by both South American and Greater Antillean lineages. Despite the high levels of diversity and extensive work on geological history, population genetic and phylogeographic study of the region remains limited. Studies have generally focused on the history of colonization between islands. Thus, we lack an understanding of how within island geologic history shaped genetic diversity across species.

Each island was formed by volcanism, which generated extensive mountain complexes and islets ranging in geologic age. Montserrat was formed by volcanos expanding the island from north to south with the northern part of the island having formed 11-25 million years ago and the southern portion forming 1.7 million years ago and continuing to the present day. In comparison, St. Kitts is a relatively young island having begun formation just over 3 million years ago, and with its tallest peaks having formed 1 million years ago. Similarly, Nevis’s seven volcanic peaks began formation just over 3.4 million years ago, with its main cone forming less than 900,000 years ago. The rain shadow of each islands volcanic mountains has led to stratification in habitats, with low lying dry scrub/tropical dry forest habitats and high elevation tropical rainforest. Rivers form deep ravines (ghauts) as they flow from high elevation headwaters to the ocean providing potential barrier to population connectivity, but also potential avenues for dispersal into lowland areas as the microclimate allows for wet forest to extend to lower elevations. The varied topology, habitat heterogeneity, and continued volcanic activity likely forms barriers that that have shaped genetic diversity throughout these islands. To further our understanding of how the geology of the Leeward Islands has influenced population structure and evolutionary history of amphibians and reptiles we are studying phylogeographic patterns in four species: Eleutherodactylus johnstonei (Lesser Antilles whistling frog), Sphaerodactylus sabanus (Saba least gecko), Anolis wattsi (Watt’s anole), and Anolis bimaculatus (panther anole).

Department: 
ESPM
Undergraduate's Role: 

The student will be primarily responsible for extraction of DNA from tissues, generation of genetic data, and taking morphometric measurements from digitized specimens. The student will be expected to maintain active communication with their supervisor and collaborators. Depending on the student’s motivation, interests, and proficiency there may be an opportunity to develop and conduct independent research within the framework of the larger project.

Undergraduate's Qualifications: 

Students should be organized, enthusiastic, and willing to learn. They should be willing to spend substantial time at a computer and wet lab. They should have an active interest in herpetology, phylogenetics, evolution, and/or molecular ecology. Prior background is helpful, but necessary training will be provided.

Location: 
On Campus
Hours: 
To be negotiated