Research

Amphibian and Reptile Biodiversity

Speciation & Phylogeography

We are interested in the genomic and ecological basis of speciation across landscapes, along with taxonomy and nomenclature. We have investigated geographic genetic diversity in frogs, lizards, snakes, and salamanders across the US, Central and South America, and India and Sri Lanka, describing over 30 new species. (Drawing of D. pascagoula by Stina B.)

Global Diversification

We are interested in the ecological and evolutionary roots of species richness through time and space. What causes latitudinal gradients? How do speciation and extinction vary among clades? What environmental factors drive diversification? (Trees from Tonini et al. 2016)

Biodiversity Philosophy

What is a species and how do we define them? How does the history of life inform our notions of Nature’s value? How do ethics and morality intersect with empirical science and conservation? What is normative and what is positive when we evaluate the world around us? (King Cobra at Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology)