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Judith M. Rhymer
Associate Professor I am particularly interested in the application of genetic techniques to the conservation and management of a wide variety of wildlife species, i.e. conservation genetics. One of the first steps in conservation genetics is to resolve any taxonomic uncertainties and to delineate potential management units within species. Projects in my lab have addressed taxonomic concerns in birds, small mammals, and invertebrates asking the question “does current taxonomy adequately reflect actual patterns of diversity in nature?” In some cases, small differences among populations have been given formal taxonomic status when they are virtually identical. In other cases, real differences among populations have been ignored, a situation that can inadvertently lead to the extinction of more cryptic species. Molecular genetic analyses can also contribute to conservation by determining genetic structure of populations, determining the extent of hybridization of introduced species with native taxa, aiding detection of illegal trade, and by providing essential information on unknown aspects of species’ ecology. Genetic analyses are also invaluable if translocations are considered as a management option. Other examples of graduate student research in my lab are the use of genetic markers: to determine the link between breeding and wintering populations of birds and also to study their mating behavior; to identify the area of origin of rare turtles illegally collected for the pet trade; and to study the effect of habitat fragmentation on rare freshwater mussel populations. Ecological field work is an important component of these types of studies. |
