Understanding genetic mechanisms relating to ecophysiological response in an introduced lizard species

This project seeks to provide insight into the means by which species respond to changing climates/environments by combining field and lab collected eco-physiological data with genetic data. Physiological phenotypes are widely hypothesized to be modulated by epigenomic mechanisms, particularly methylation. Methylation alters the expression of genes by turning them off and on. We will explicitly test associations between physiological phenotypes, methylation and expression phenotypes, and genetic variation. This combination of data will provide new insight into the nature of population persistence via epigenetic modulated physiological plasticity or adaptive genetic variation.

 

This project will combine a number of different data collection techniques that will involve physiological assays with a captive colony of Anolis lizards to estimate thermal breadth by estimating critical thermal minima and maxima, preferred temperature, functional and sprint speed assays. This project will focus on two populations of anoles introduced to South Florida from two different source populations. They are now in a shared environment but have responded differently to the novel environment.

 

The working hypothesis is that genetic variation is low in one of the populations and this has limited their capacity to respond. We will carry out a series of experiments using environmental chambers exposing lizards to controlled climate regimes to gauge ecophysiological response. This is relevant to understanding how organisms adapt to novel climates, such as those anticipated under anthropogenic climate change.  The postbac will work with the PI and other lab members to carry out ecophysiological assays to generate phenotype data on thermal traits. The postbac will also have the opportunity to learn some aspects of genetics benchwork if they are interested in doing so.

 

Network Mentor: Dr. Guin Wogan