Quantifying species with accuracy has important implications that extend from the life sciences and into science policy, habitat management, and conservation. However, because speciation is a continuous process that is expected to proceed independently and idiosyncratically across lineages, identifying a fixed threshold that demarcates the boundary between populations and species can be elusive. The lack of a unified framework for deciding whether distinct populations should be elevated to species has produced a heterogeneous and uneven inventory of species diversity.

In this talk, I will present a synthesis of genomic, ecological, and morphological data to investigate the systematics and evolution of the diverse lizard fauna of North America. By using a comparative approach across 30 focal groups that include multiple populations, subspecies, and species, I will explore how modern integrative species delimitation methods can resolve long-standing taxonomic uncertainties. 

Leache Lab

Adam's visit is funded by the Centre for Biodiversity Analysis, hosted by Scott Keogh and Mitzy Pepper (ANU). Please get in touch if you would like to meet with Adam during his time in Canberra.