Santa Cruz Island Reserve

14 May, 05 AM - 21 May, 05 AM

The research investigates the evolutionary ecology, conservation status and geographic distribution of diversity within and among California Channel Island populations of amphibians and reptiles. We will apply genetic techniques to measure the connectivity of populations within each island, reveal phylogeographic patterns among island and mainland populations, and estimate effective population sizes and identify recent population bottlenecks for each island population. We will quantify morphological (size and shape) differences among island populations to test for potential local adaptation to environmental variation on different islands. This information can be used to determine whether populations on different islands should be managed as a single unit or separate units. The strength of this study lies in its comparative nature (4 amphibian and 4 reptile species) and geographical coverage (includes 5-8 of the California Channel Islands). Studies of geographic variation have long informed evolutionary and conservation biologists of the historical and current determinants of local differentiation. Numerous studies have shown that isolation reinforces divergent selection for traits most closely related to fitness through the relationships between restricted gene flow and phenotypic divergence in morphology, behavior, and life-history. Investigating genetic and phenotypic processes underlying diversity provides insight into the barriers to gene exchange in natural populations. Utilization of population genetics and statistical phylogeography, combined with phenotypic and behavioral characters are powerful techniques for gaining insight into reproductive isolation, migration patterns, and historical biogeography of the Channel Islands.

Visit #28448 @Santa Cruz Island Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 25233 | Research

Evolutionary ecology and conservation of the Channel Islands

faculty - California State University (CSU), Northridge

Reservation Members(s)

Jeanne Robertson May 14 - 21, 2012 (8 days)
Jeanne Robertson May 14 - 21, 2012 (8 days)
Jeanne Robertson May 14 - 21, 2012 (8 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice