My research seeks to explain the patterns of biodiversity seen today. Biodiversity includes the variety of species, morphological forms, and ecological functions seen within groups of organisms. Scroll down to read more about specific topics!
What is integrative macroevolution? A research program in integrative macroevolution combines approaches in order to understand the mechanisms driving variation in evolutionary processes. For example, only three processes directly change species richness of a region: speciation, extinction, and dispersal. However, reasons why these processes might vary include a plethora of abiotic and biotic factors, from species interactions, evolution of form and function, tectonic and climactic changes, and the list goes on. In order to fully understand the origin of biodiversity patterns, we must integrate data and approaches from different fields of study.
Why do I study fishes? There are >30,000 species of fishes found all over the world and in all aquatic habitats including freshwater, coral reefs, and the deep ocean. Fishes give us lots of comparisons to make in order to learn why regions and habitats differ in biodiversity.
What is integrative macroevolution? A research program in integrative macroevolution combines approaches in order to understand the mechanisms driving variation in evolutionary processes. For example, only three processes directly change species richness of a region: speciation, extinction, and dispersal. However, reasons why these processes might vary include a plethora of abiotic and biotic factors, from species interactions, evolution of form and function, tectonic and climactic changes, and the list goes on. In order to fully understand the origin of biodiversity patterns, we must integrate data and approaches from different fields of study.
Why do I study fishes? There are >30,000 species of fishes found all over the world and in all aquatic habitats including freshwater, coral reefs, and the deep ocean. Fishes give us lots of comparisons to make in order to learn why regions and habitats differ in biodiversity.