Biodiversity of spiny lizards
Ian Wang, Professor
Environmental Science, Policy and Management
Closed. This professor is continuing with Spring 2024 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Fall 2024.
What makes some groups of animals species rich, while other groups are species poor?
This project will examine the diversity of spiny lizards (genus Sceloporus), a group of 100+ described species that range across North and Central America. We will quantify the phenotypic, ecological, and genetic diversity of spiny lizards to understand (1) how and when new species form (2) how closely related species coexist (3) the relationship between phenotypic diversity and genetic/species diversity (4) how changing environmental conditions may affect all of the above.
There are opportunities for in-person and remote work; please indicate in your application which will work better for you at this time.
Role: Tasks may include but are not limited to: DNA extraction and sequencing, morphological measurements of museum specimens, digital imaging (CT scanning and/or color image analysis), curating an ecological database, and data analysis. Some tasks may also include using geographic information systems (GIS). Students are invited to help with local fieldwork if desired.
Qualifications: Lab or museum experience and basic programming skills are recommended but not required. Most important is an interest in the system and a willingness to learn.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Erin Westeen, Ph.D. candidate
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Related website: https://nature.berkeley.edu/wanglab/
Environmental Issues Biological & Health Sciences