Biology ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-8-2024

Abstract

Islands have long been a critical arena for the development of ecological and evolutionary theory, particular due to persistent open-water gaps between them. In this dissertation I demonstrates how these caps are permeable, which can be leveraged to understand evolution on islands and more broadly. The first chapter develops this connection between ongoing, overwater gene flow and island biogeographic theory, and tests it on an archipelago species. The second take a three-pronged approach in demonstrating how over-water gene flow can bias phylogenetic inference, and how many phylogeographic metrics in islands are likely shaped by long-term gene flow. The final two demonstrate how this theory can be used to understand secondary contact in continental and island systems, featuring asymmetric introgression and genetic swamping. In sum, this dissertation further supports gene flow as an important and ubiquitous process that can explain many patterns we observe in natural systems.

Language

English

Keywords

speciation, island biogeography, gene flow, phylogeography, genomics, phylogenomics

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Michael J. Andersen

Second Committee Member

Dr. Lisa N. Barrow

Third Committee Member

Dr. Jeffrey C. Long

Fourth Committee Member

Dr. Christopher C. Witt

Available for download on Friday, July 31, 2026

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