My
research uses an integrative approach to
understand the causes and consequences of
variation (morphological, physiological,
genetic) in vertebrates. Research in my group
covers two main general topics: 1. Unraveling
the factors influencing physiological and
morphological evolution, and 2. The use of
genetic/genomic tools for conservation purposes.
Main research areas in my groups are:
Evolution of longevity and
cancer in vertebrates
Cancer
and lifespan vary dramatically across
vertebrates. Our work aim to identify and
investigate the evolutionary and mechanistic
foundations of these differences. Comparative
analyses across vertebrates suggest that cancer
prevalence may be shaped by life history traits,
ecology, and lineage specific adaptations.
However, some long-lived species - particularly
turtles - seem to defy expectations and to show
unexpectedly low cancer prevalence, possibly as
a combination of low DNA-damage, relative slow
metabolism, and unique tumor protection genes
and pathways. For this project we combine
genomics with cellular essays and data
collection on cancer prevalence across species
and vertebrate groups to uncover the basis of
variation in cancer prevalence and longevity
across species.
DNA damage in different species of turtles from: Bulls et al. 2025
Evolution of
form and function
Thermal physiology, ecology,
and behavior
We
investigate how reptiles - particularly lizards
and turtles - interact with and respond to their
thermal environments, and how these
relationships shape vulnerability to climate
change. By integrating behavioral observation,
physiological measurements, environmental
measurements, and climate modeling, we study how
species regulate their body temperature and
their thermal tolerance - especially to heat
waves and extreme weather conditions.
This research provides a framework for
predicting species' responses to environmental
change.
Experimental set up for estimates of CTmax in geckos from: White et al. 2024
Evolution of color and color
pattern in reptiles
Body
color and color patterns in vertebrates are one
of the best known examples of phenotypic
variation and coloration has been shown to
evolve based on the interactions between and
organism and its environment. Coloration and
color patterns are known to be functionally
important for sexual selection, communication,
and mimicry. We are interested in investigating:
1) the molecular basis of color and color
pattern variation in lizards; 2) how color
patterns change during ontogeny and in
understanding the influence of genotype,
environment and stochasticity on this variation;
3) the ecological function of different color
patterns (e.g., communication, predator escape,
individual recognition). To accomplish this
work, we integrate genomics, mathematical
modeling, and behavioral experiments.
Variation in color pattern in Eastern box turtles from: Maki et al. 2025
Evolution of shell shape in
Galápagos tortoises
The
giant tortoises inhabiting the Galápagos
archipelago represent one of the only two
surviving genera of once widespread giant
tortoises. Galápagos tortoises have two very
distinct shell shapes: either domed, with a
typical rounded carapace, or saddleback, with a
higher anterior opening of the carapace and a
more compressed shape on the sides. Intermediate
forms also exist. Although there is a
correlation between shell shape and
environmental characteristics (drier or more
humid environment), it is currently not clear if
the different shell morphologies represent an
adaptation to these environments and in this
case, what is the function and performance for
which they are adapted to. We are studying the
evolution and possible adaptation of the
different shell morphologies within and among
lineages of the giant Galápagos tortoises. To
this purpose, we integrate genetic and
morphometric data.
Domed and saddleback shells
Conservation
Conservation genetics and
citizen science
Humans
have caused major modifications to the environment
and may be partly responsible for driving rapid or
contemporary evolution of the organisms living in
it. We are working on several different projects
focusing on the conservation of distinct
organisms, from fish, to turtles, to small
mammals. We often use conservation
genetics/genomics approaches and also measures of
citizen attitudes towards the studied animals. For
these projects, we collaborate with zoos and
aquaria, state and local conservation and
management entities, NGOs, and conservation
societies.
Potential hybrids of redbelly turtle based on
morphological characteristics from: Moreno et al. 2022
