In Focus lecture by Alexandra Sumarli Alex discusses the biogeographic history of the Gulf of California and how this influences the diversity of reptiles and amphibians in our southwestern deserts. She will introduce her study system, the Chuckwallas (Sauromalus), a type of iguanid found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Alex will discuss their current and previous taxonomic history, diversity in body size and coloration, and geographic distribution. Next, Alex will discuss her fieldwork in the desert and surrounding areas, which she used for genomics and phylogenetic methods to elucidate the evolutionary history of the Chuckwallas. Lastly, she will share how her results impact our understanding of Chuckwalla biodiversity and conservation.

Approved