A5073659833- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
- Evolution and Genetic Dynamics
- Plant and animal studies
- Antimicrobial Peptides and Activities
- Turtle Biology and Conservation
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Animal and Plant Science Education
- Aquaculture disease management and microbiota
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies
- melanin and skin pigmentation
- Vector-borne infectious diseases
- Viral Infections and Vectors
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Gut microbiota and health
- Zoonotic diseases and public health
- Microbial infections and disease research
- Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
- Bat Biology and Ecology Studies
- Animal Disease Management and Epidemiology
- Spider Taxonomy and Behavior Studies
University of California, Berkeley
2016-2025
Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
2006-2024
Massanutten Regional Library
2021
University of Idaho
2008-2018
University of Chicago
2007
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
2007
Brown University
1998
Convergence--the independent evolution of the same trait by two or more taxa--has long been interest to evolutionary biologists, but only recently has molecular basis phenotypic convergence identified. Here, we highlight studies rapid cryptic coloration in vertebrates demonstrate that can occur at multiple levels: mutations, genes and gene function. We first show different be responsible for convergent phenotypes even among closely related populations, example, pale beach mice inhabiting...
Understanding what aspects of evolution are predictable, and repeatable, is a central goal biology. Studying phenotypic convergence (the independent similar traits in different organisms) provides an opportunity to address evolutionary predictability at hierarchical levels. Here we focus on recent advances understanding the molecular basis convergence. when, why, solutions used repeatedly insight into constraints that shape biological diversity. We first distinguish between as pattern...
There are many striking examples of phenotypic convergence in nature, some cases associated with changes the same genes. But even mutations gene may have different biochemical properties and thus evolutionary consequences. Here we dissect molecular mechanism convergent evolution three lizard species blanched coloration on gypsum dunes White Sands, New Mexico. These Sands forms rapidly evolved cryptic last few thousand years, presumably to avoid predation. We use cell-based assays demonstrate...
Understanding the evolutionary history of microbial pathogens is critical for mitigating impacts emerging infectious diseases on economically and ecologically important host species. We used a genome resequencing approach to resolve an pathogen, chytrid Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which has been implicated in amphibian declines worldwide. sequenced genomes 29 isolates Bd from around world, with emphasis North, Central, South America because devastating effect that had populations...
Understanding the rate at which new species form is a key question in studying evolution of life on earth. Here we review our current understanding speciation rates, focusing studies based fossil record, phylogenies, and mathematical models. We find that rates estimated from these different can be dramatically different: some quickly often, while others much less frequently. suggest instead being contradictory, differences across scales reconciled by common model. Under "ephemeral model",...
The wealth of information on the genetics pigmentation and clear fitness consequences many phenotypes provide an opportunity to study molecular basis ecologically important trait. melanocortin‐1 receptor (Mc1r) is responsible for intraspecific color variation in mammals birds. Here, we evolution Mc1r investigate its role adaptive differences reptiles. We sequenced complete locus seven phylogenetically diverse squamate species with melanic or blanched forms associated different colored...
Ecological transition zones, where organismal phenotypes result from a delicate balance between selection and migration, highlight the interplay of local adaptation gene flow. Here, I study response an entire species assemblage to natural across common ecotone. Three lizard species, distributed along dramatic environmental gradient in substrate color, display convergent blanched coloration on gypsum dunes White Sands National Monument. investigate role flow modulating phenotypic by...
The colonization of novel habitats involves complex interactions between founder events, selection, and ongoing migration, can lead to diverse evolutionary outcomes from local extinction adaptation speciation. Although there have been several studies the demography remote habitats, less is known about demographic consequences within a continuous species range. Populations Eastern Fence Lizard, Sceloporus undulatus, are continuously distributed across two dramatic transitions in substrate...
Resistance is not futile The fungal disease chytridiomycosis has wreaked havoc on amphibians worldwide. caused by the organism Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and was first identified in late 1990s. Voyles et al. revisited protected areas Panama where catastrophic amphibian losses were recorded a decade ago (see Perspective Collins). Although theory predicts that epidemics should result reduced pathogenicity, they found no evidence for such reduction. Despite this, community displaying signs...
Significance Human influences are causing the disappearance of species at a rate unprecedented in millions years. Amphibians being particularly affected, and extinctions many may be inevitable. The Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog ( Rana sierrae ) was once common mountains California (United States), but human impacts have driven it near extinction. Repeated surveys thousands water bodies Yosemite National Park show that decline R. has recently reversed population abundance is now increasing...
Biodiversity loss is one major outcome of human-mediated ecosystem disturbance. One way that humans have triggered wildlife declines by transporting disease-causing agents to remote areas the world. Amphibians been hit particularly hard disease due in part a globally distributed pathogenic chytrid fungus ( Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis [ Bd ]). Prior research has revealed important insights into biology and distribution ; however, there are still many outstanding questions this system....
The thermal sensitivities of organisms regulate a wide range ecological interactions, including host-parasite dynamics. effect temperature on disease ecology can be remarkably complex in systems where the hosts are ectothermic and conditions constrain pathogen reproductive rates. Amphibian chytridiomycosis, caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is lethal fungal that influenced temperature. However, recent studies have produced contradictory findings, suggesting our current...
Understanding the factors that promote or inhibit species formation remains a central focus in evolutionary biology. It has been difficult to make generalities about process of ecological speciation particular given each example is somewhat idiosyncratic. Here we use case study replicated same selective environment assess account for similarities and differences across taxa progress towards speciation. We three different lizards on gypsum sand dunes White Sands, New Mexico, present evidence...
Recent declines in amphibian diversity and abundance have contributed significantly to the global loss of biodiversity. The fungal disease chytridiomycosis is widely considered be a primary cause these declines, yet critical question why species differ susceptibility remains unanswered. Considerable evidence links environmental conditions interspecific variability innate immune system differential infection responses, but other sources individual, population, or species-typical variation may...
Understanding the molecular mechanisms of pathogen emergence is central to mitigating impacts novel infectious disease agents. The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) an emerging amphibians that has been implicated in amphibian declines worldwide. Bd only member its clade known attack vertebrates. However, little about determinants - or evolutionary transition pathogenicity Bd. Here we sequence genome Bd's closest relative a non-pathogenic Homolaphlyctis polyrhiza (Hp). We...
Amphibians around the world are being threatened by an emerging pathogen, chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Despite intensive ecological study in decade since Bd was discovered, little is known about mechanism which kills frogs. Here, we compare patterns of global gene expression controlled laboratory conditions for two phases life cycle Bd: free-living zoospore and substrate-embedded sporangia. We find zoospores to be transcriptionally less complex than Several transcripts...
Emerging infectious diseases are of great concern for both wildlife and humans. Several highly virulent fungal pathogens have recently been discovered in natural populations, highlighting the need a better understanding fungal-vertebrate host-pathogen interactions. Because most not fatal absence other predisposing conditions, dynamics deadly particular interest. The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (hereafter Bd) infects hundreds species frogs wild. It is found worldwide...
Abstract Amphibian populations around the world are threatened by an emerging infectious pathogen, chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). How can a fungal skin infection kill such broad range of amphibian hosts? And do different host species have similar response to Bd infection? Here, we use genomics approach understand genetic multiple susceptible frog infection. We characterize transcriptomes two closely related endangered ( Rana muscosa and sierrae ) analyse whole genome...
Understanding how pathogens respond to changing environmental conditions is a central challenge in disease ecology. The environmentally sensitive fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which causes the amphibian chytridiomycosis, has spread globally causing extirpations wide variety of climatic regions. To gain an in-depth understanding Bd's responses temperature, we used integrative approach, combining empirical laboratory experiments with mathematical modeling. First,...
The wealth of information on the genetics pigmentation and clear fitness consequences many phenotypes provide an opportunity to study molecular basis ecologically important trait. melanocortin-1 receptor (Mc1r) is responsible for intraspecific color variation in mammals birds. Here, we evolution Mc1r investigate its role adaptive differences reptiles. We sequenced complete locus seven phylogenetically diverse squamate species with melanic or blanched forms associated different colored...
Despite increased interest in applying single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data to questions natural systems, one unresolved issue is what extent the ascertainment bias induced during SNP discovery phase will impact available analysis methods. Although most studies addressing have focused on human populations, it not clear whether existing methods work when applied other species with more complex demographic histories and significant levels of population structure. Here we present findings...