Evolutionary ecology of reptiles: Dr. Lance McBrayer’s research focuses on the complex relationships between an organism’s phenotype and its ecology and evolution. The two central questions guiding his research program are 1) What are the relationships between an organism’s morphology, physiology, or behavior with its ecology? And 2) What are the patterns of ecological and behavioral evolution associated with the taxa, or traits, of interest? To address these questions, my lab conducts ecological studies of behavior and resource use, mechanistic studies to quantify organismal form and function, and evolutionary studies of trait variation and change among species. My lab is well outfitted with equipment to study behavior and locomotion (high speed video), thermal physiology (operative thermal models), and morphology (radiography, musculoskeletal anatomy, etc).

Current research projects focus on trait variation generated by management practices. The Florida Scrub Lizard (Sceloporus woodi) is endemic to the coastal plain of Florida. We are currently testing a variety of hypotheses on color variation, sexual dimorphism, parasitism, and epigenetic variation in S. woodi in its last stronghold, the Ocala National Forest. Field work is convenient to Georgia Southern and the biology of the rare species is well suited to a broad spectrum of research questions. As part of the McBrayer lab, students will learn how to apply ecological and behavioral methods to conservation-oriented questions on how organism-environment interactions shape the evolution of key functional traits.

View Dr. McBrayer's website for more information.