Research areas:

Our approach to systematics is testing hypotheses of nematode evolution in part through comparative reconstruction and developmental biology of character rich-nematode structures. Often studies are designed to address questions of character homology and to detect and understand parallel and convergent evolution of morphological traits. Primary tools include DIC light microscopy, video imaging, transmission, TEM tomography, scanning, confocal, and 4D microscopy. Through collaboration with molecular biologists we use molecular-based phylogenetic trees to map the evolution of independent morphological/developmental characters. Our reconstruction of feeding structures in Rhabditida and outgroups Cephalobina and Diplogastrina is being used to test classical hypotheses of evolution and is being expanded to test hypotheses of evolution of the stylet and plant parasitism in Tylenchida. We are also extending studies of feeding structures to groups believed to be basal to Secernentea. An important aspect of our phylogenetic studies is survey and description of new taxa. In this regard, we have ongoing surveys of the southwestern deserts of the USA. Currently we are conducting a survey of marine nematodes of Mexico’s Gulf of California in conjunction with Mexican collaborators. Our surveys and phylogenetic research is dependent on exchanges with scientists worldwide and with material we curate at the UCRNC taxonomic museum.