Welcome to the Van Den Bussche Laboratory of Molecular Systematics and Conservation Genetics

Research Interests

The fact that organisms can and do evolve requires the utilization of an evolutionary perspective (phylogeny) when seeking to understand processes responsible for modern patterns of diversity. Because phylogenetic studies are essential for understanding evolutionary processes occurring at both the organismal and molecular level, the importance of reliable phylogenetic hypotheses as foundations for interpreting diverse biological observations has become increasingly apparent in recent years.

The primary research interest in my laboratory is to better our understanding of the processes responsible for the current biogeographic, morphologic, and ecologic variation observed in nature. To address these questions, most phylogentic and phylogeographic studies conducted in my laboratory are focused on bats (Mammalia:Chiroptera). Among mammals, the order Chiroptera is second only to rodents in terms of species diversity and is an important component of terrestrial ecosystems throughout temperate, subtropical, and tropical areas of the world. Therefore, due to the morphological, ecological, and behavioral diversity within Chiroptera, this taxon provides an ideal opportunity to address several evolutionary and ecological hypotheses. Unfortunately, the rapid radiation of bats, coupled with the extraordinary diversity in behavior, habitat utilization, morphology, feeding strategies, and life-history strategies has complicated interpretation of phylogenetic relationships and phylogeographic patterns. It is the overall goal of my laboratory to provide a more accurate phylogenetic perspective of the relationships within Chiroptera at several taxonomic levels to allow for more detailed studies of the evolution of the amazing diversity portrayed by bats. Research in my laboratory is currently focused on phylogenetic relationships among chiropteran families as well as relationships within Pteropodidae and Vespertilionidae.

My laboratory is also interested in ascertaining patterns of molecular diversity throughout the distribution of several species of bats to better understand the relative contributions of historic and contemporary processes to phylogeographic patterns. It is our assertion that a better understanding of these processes is critical for the conservation of biodiversity.

 

Contact Dr. Van Den Bussche here.

Visit the American Society of Mammalogists homepage here.

Website created by Sarah Moore. Maintained by Elaine Fite.