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Research
We are interested in the fields of ecology, biogeography, and evolutionary biology. The long-term goal of our research is to integrate these fields by i) recognizing and synthetizing avian distribution patterns, paying particular attention to contact zones and phylogeographic breaks; ii) understanding how environmental gradients along ecotones define avian species distributions, affecting patterns of taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity; and iii) unveiling the evolutionary mechanisms and processes that shaped the distribution of current biotas, both at the species and community levels. To achieve these goals, we use tools borrowed from diverse fields, including geographic information systems (GIS) and ecological niche models (ENM), quantitative ecology, and molecular tools to analyze genomic data, including tree building methods, statistical phylogeography, and population genetics. Most of our research relies heavily on field studies, where we conduct avian surveys, obtain audio recordings of bird vocalizations, and collect specimens. While we conduct and value exploratory research and general collecting, we also conduct and encourage students to produce hypothesis-driven research, with solid experimental designs based on strong theoretical frameworks.
Biogeography
Recognizing and synthesizing avian distribution patterns
The description of species distribution patterns lies at the base of many central questions in biology, and requires exploration and the ability to compile and synthesize the available data. We are particularly interested in distribution patterns shared by many species, which allows one to search for common evolutionary processes capable of shaping entire biotas.
Ecology
The effect of environmental gradients on patterns of avian diversity along ecotones
We are specially interested in avian distribution patterns along ecotones, which represent areas of environmental transition often associated with climatic gradients. Transition zones are often associated with abiotic (climatic) or biotic (community or vegetation structure) factors and have direct implications in the distribution of the biota. When many species are affected at the same time by similar environmental or biological variables, we can find changes in patterns of species richness at the landscape level. We evaluate these changes at the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional levels.
