Using Genetic Approaches to Inform Conservation Planning
Dr. Whitney Anthonysamy, Assistant Professor of Biology,
St. Louis College of Pharmacy
Abstract: Ongoing anthropogenic change in the environment is detrimental to native species and is contributing to a global loss of biodiversity. My work primarily focuses on applied conservation research aimed at investigating patterns of biodiversity, and understanding species persistence and adaptation in anthropogenically disturbed landscapes. I strive to understand how biodiversity is distributed in the landscape, the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that shape observed patterns of biodiversity, and how variation in ecological and life history traits among species influences how they respond to anthropogenic change. In much of my research, I have used genetic approaches to address how environmental change impacts biodiversity at the molecular scale. In this seminar I will highlight projects where I have used genetic markers to provide information to help guide conservation efforts. Highlighted projects include evaluation of reproductive success in Blanding’s Turtle, connectivity in Greater Prairie Chicken, and cryptic biodiversity in an Ozark crayfish.
3 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Riverview Conference Room
NGRREC Jerry F. Costello Confluence Field Station
One Confluence Way, East Alton, Illinois
This seminar is open to the public, please check in at the NGRREC front desk on arrival.