Laboratory of Evolutionary Pattern and Process

Work in the Laboratory of Evolutionary Pattern and Process is comparative in nature. We analyze phenotypic and genomic variation across multiple species and lineages to understand the evolutionary history of life and the mechanisms responsible for maintaining biodiversity. Part of this work is historical. We estimate the phylogenetic relationships of living and extinct organisms in a temporal context, quantify ecological change over time, and reconstruct patterns of biogeography and trait evolution. We also work to uncover broad trends in evolution by analyzing behavioral or morphological traits at the lineage or ecosystem level. Because they are ecologically impactful and phenotypically diverse, we primary use eusocial insects, especially ants, as model systems for asking core questions. Our approach is multidisciplinary and combines paleontology, imaging methodology such as micro CT-scanning and confocal microscopy, comparative genomics, and systematics.
The lab is currently focused on identifying convergent trends in genome evolution related to advanced social behavior; quantifying links among phenotype, ecology, and extinction; and maximizing data collection from fossil amber.