2023 Undergraduate Research Team
Lucas Carbajal, Jayda Hunte, Martina Lasen Harsch & Josie Rivero
We are investigating behavior and habitat use among introduced reptile species in Miami. Student-led projects explore topics pertaining to resource use and competition among and between species introduced to South Florida across the habitats they encounter upon arrival. This information allows us to make predictions about the short- and long-term consequences of species introductions , and provides insight on the patterns of divergence that take place during invasive spread.
Past research projects:
Signal divergence among bark anoles across non-native habitats in Florida
Native to Hispaniola and the Bahamas, the bark anole Anolis distichus (pictured) has been repeatedly introduced to South Florida, and become established across a mosaic of new habitats. I am investigating whether adaptation across habitats with distinct light profiles is driving signal evolution in this species, as well as exploring the genetics of signal divergence across neighboring populations.
Community Structure and signal evolution among non-native Anolis communities in South Florida
I am exploring how community assemblage among non-native anole species in Florida influences habitat partitioning and trait divergence. Specifically, I am investigating whether sympatry with non-native congeners leads to divergence in properties of the visual signals displayed by anoles during sexual and agonistic encounters.
Hurricane-mediated habitat restructuring and subsequent recovery: implications for signal adaptation
In September of 2017 Hurricane Irma stormed along the western coast of Florida, altering habitats with destructive winds and flooding. Taking advantage of this habitat-transforming event, we are tracking how changes in canopy density and forest geometry have altered the established light profiles across South Florida, and monitoring how signal design among resident anoles changes over time with respect to changes in the light profile. In addition, we are using Genotype-by-Sequencing to track patterns of gene flow across sites before and after the storm.
Native to Hispaniola and the Bahamas, the bark anole Anolis distichus (pictured) has been repeatedly introduced to South Florida, and become established across a mosaic of new habitats. I am investigating whether adaptation across habitats with distinct light profiles is driving signal evolution in this species, as well as exploring the genetics of signal divergence across neighboring populations.
Community Structure and signal evolution among non-native Anolis communities in South Florida
I am exploring how community assemblage among non-native anole species in Florida influences habitat partitioning and trait divergence. Specifically, I am investigating whether sympatry with non-native congeners leads to divergence in properties of the visual signals displayed by anoles during sexual and agonistic encounters.
Hurricane-mediated habitat restructuring and subsequent recovery: implications for signal adaptation
In September of 2017 Hurricane Irma stormed along the western coast of Florida, altering habitats with destructive winds and flooding. Taking advantage of this habitat-transforming event, we are tracking how changes in canopy density and forest geometry have altered the established light profiles across South Florida, and monitoring how signal design among resident anoles changes over time with respect to changes in the light profile. In addition, we are using Genotype-by-Sequencing to track patterns of gene flow across sites before and after the storm.
Check out some photos of anoles introduced to Florida below, as well as the native Carolina anole Anolis carolinensis. The non-native species shown include Anolis distichus, Anolis sagrei, Anolis cristatellus, and Anolis equestris.