u n d e r g r a d u a t e . r e s e a r c h.. o p p o r t u n i t i e s

Research in our lab focuses on understanding how inter-specific interactions influence speciation. We use a combination of approaches from ecological studies to population genetics to determine how interactions between species influence speciation rates, and diversity at high and low taxonomic levels. We have used the pollination mutualism between yuccas and yucca moths as our main study system. We are currently working in several different areas:

a) Phylogenetic tests of escape and radiate co-evolution. The goal of this bioinformatics project is to provide a statistically based test of Ehrlich and Raven's classic 1964 hypothesis on the evolution of species rich taxonomic groups. Ehrlich and Raven proposed a model on co-evolution to explain why phytophagous (plant feeding) insects and their host plants are so specious. Students working on this project would learn how to use a supercomputer (Beowulf cluster) and conduct basic phylogenetic analyses.

b) The evolution of cheating in mutualistic interactions. Cheaters are individuals or species that take the resources offered by mutualists but do not provide a service or resource in return. There has been considerable debate about how cheating can evolve in mutually beneficial interactions without causing extinction of the mutualism. This is an ongoing project that has involved both ecological field studies, behavior studies, and molecular lab work. We have collected data from populations across the United States with focal populations in Big Bend National Park, TX and the Archbold Biolgoical Station in Florida.

c) Molecular systematics of yuccas and yucca moths. We are using DNA sequencing and fingerprinting techniques to study the phylogenetic relationships of yucca moths and their host plants. The goals of this project are to conduct comparative analyses to examine patterns of speciation in both the plants and moths and to determine if these patterns have influenced the co-evolutionary dynamcis of the interaction.

d) Incorporating community context into studies of mutualism. This is an ecological project aimed at understanding how the members of a community can influence interactions between mutualists. The project has focused on the community of insects that utilize Yucca filamentosa in central Florida. We have used methods in experimental ecology to determine the effect of the insect community on the interaciton between yuccas and their moth pollinators.

Students interested in conducting field research should take Ecology as a prerequisite, and Genetics, Molecular Biology, or Bioinformatics are prerequisites for students who wish to participate in molecular/bioinformatics studies. Off-campus field studies are primarily conducted during the spring and early summer months. Students are required to read the primary literature and participate in the lab group discussions. Student projects are long-term commitments; thus, students should be prepared to spend at least 2 semester working on the project.

Kari Segraves
204 BRL
443-4899
ksegrave@syr.edu