Liolaemus Current Projects Ecomorphology and Diversification among Liolaemus lizards and Molecular Systematics of Iguanian Lizards Undergrad. The focus of my thesis research is to integrate phylogenetics, morphometrics, and ecology to understand patterns of ecomorphological diversification among Liolaemus lizards. The lizard genus Liolaemus is second in diversity to Anolis within the family Iguanidae with over 160 currently recognized species.
Species exhibit tremendous diversity in morphology, ecology, and life history traits.
My thesis has three main objectives using quite disparate techniques. ND1, ND2, COI, and eight tRNAs. The second part of my thesis will be to collect morphometric data in Jonathan Losos' lab for as many species as possible to determine if distinct morphotypes can be teased out. Finally, ecological data, particularly microhabitat occupation, will be collected for as many species of Liolaemus as possible. In addition, there are areas in Argentina and Chile where up to 4-5 species of Liolaemus can be found sympatrically.