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
Recommended Citation
Gyllenhaal, Ethan F.. "Crossing the ocean: the importance of gene flow in island evolution." (2024). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/biol_etds/593
Included in
Bioinformatics Commons, Biology Commons, Evolution Commons, Genomics Commons, Ornithology Commons
