A main goal of comparative phylogeography is to examine the evolutionary history of multiple species in order to determine the processes that have driven patterns of speciation and biodiversity across a landscape. We combine ecological niche modeling, and ecological experimentation to address the mechanisms driving range distributions of lineages and species. We emphasize a quantitative approach to phylogeography (e.g., Lapointe and Rissler 2005, American Naturalist), and much of our work focuses on California and the southern Appalachians. (Check out this recent feature article on our lab in Bioscience!)

Much of our research uses climate data from WorldClim or other databases in combination with NHC (natural history collections) data in a GIS context to predict the distribution of organisms. This work is termed correlative niche modeling, and it is being used in conservation planning (e.g., Rissler et al. 2006, American Naturalist), species delimitation (e.g., Rissler and Apodaca 2007, Systematic Biology), and for many other landscape level questions.

To really understand the forces that define where particular species or individuals live, we must also examine ecology and behavior (e.g., Rissler et al. 2004, American Naturalist). Our recent research has taken an integrative approach combining physiology, theoretical modeling, and correlational and mechanistic niche modeling to understand how adaptation and geographic variation in trait performance can alter species’ range predictions. Rissler is part of a jointly-funded NCEAS and NESCent working group on species range dynamics that is focused on improving models that can help predict range shifts during climate change. We also focus on assessing the inferences from ENMs by addressing basic ecological and evolutionary questions in core vs. edge environments (e.g., Cunningham et al. 2009, J. Animal Ecology). Experimental ecology is done in various locations, but often at MLBS in Virginia.

Conservation biology and conservation genetics use the principles of evolutionary biology and ecology to address the causes and consequences of endangerment and decline. These fields are integrative, and the questions addressed are often mission-driven. We have multiple funded projects in conservation including a) a JFSP funded project on the impact of fire management and longfleaf restoration on herp biodiversity, and b) a SWG on ecological genetics and niche modeling for the federally threatened Red Hills Salamander (Phaeognathus hubrichti).