Patrick M. O'Grady, Associate Professor
I am interested in the patterns and processes that generate and maintain biological diversity. Research projects in my laboratory cover a range of biological disciplines including morphology and taxonomy, phylogenetic systematics, population genetics, molecular evolution and genomics to examine the evolutionary history of the endemic Hawaiian Drosophilidae.
Departmental Website
Systematics at Berkeley
Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program
Sponsored Projects for Undergraduate Research
GenBank
San Diego Drosophila Stock Center
Flybase
CV
Publications in Google Scholar
ORCID Profile
Figshare Profile
Departmental Website
Systematics at Berkeley
Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program
Sponsored Projects for Undergraduate Research
GenBank
San Diego Drosophila Stock Center
Flybase
CV
Publications in Google Scholar
ORCID Profile
Figshare Profile
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 Paceyn collecting ephydrids and canacids, Ft. Bragg, CA, February 2011. |
Dr. Brian Ort, Postdoctoral Fellow
I am interested in the causes and consequences of barriers
to gene flow among natural populations. Gene flow can be reduced by factors
such as physical barriers that prevent dispersal, by interspecific interactions
such as competition, or by differences in selective regimes in different
locations. Each of these types of scenarios interest me, as do the evolutionary
responses of the affected populations and species.
In the O’Grady lab, I am using a DNA sequencing approach to investigate the microbial community composition in several habitats used by Hawaiian Drosophila for oviposition and larval development. Differences in microbial community composition may have played an important role in habitat switching by the flies, thereby contributing to the formation of reproductive barriers to gene flow among incipient species.
In other recent projects, I have used microsatellite markers to detect population differentiation among closely-spaced populations of eelgrass in San Francisco Bay, with applications to planning and managing restoration of eelgrass to the area. This collaboration with researchers at San Francisco State University is ongoing. In my dissertation work, I used biparental inheritance of mitochondrial DNA in mussels to reveal widespread purifying selection in protein coding mitochondrial genes. In this case, the two sexes represent a barrier to mitochondrial gene flow, resulting in the strength of selection being unequal between male- and female-specific mitochondrial genomes. Continuing collaboration with my dissertation advisor and others is revealing details of the evolution of the biparental mtDNA inheritance system in bivalves.
Selected Publications (Full CV)
Cao, L, Ort, BS, Mizi, A, Pogson, GH, Kenchington, E, Zouros, E, and Rodakis, G. 2009. The control region of maternally and paternally inherited mitochondrial genomes of three species of the sea mussel genus Mytilus. Genetics 181:1045-1056.
Addison, JA, Ort, BS, Mesa, KA, and Pogson, GH. 2008. Nuclear and mitochondrial markers reveal lack of population structure in the California sea mussel, Mytilus californianus, in contrast to multiple estuarine species. Molecular Ecology 17: 4222-4232.
Ort, BS, and Pogson, GH. 2007. Molecular population genetics of the male and female mtDNA molecules of the California sea mussel, Mytilus californianus. Genetics 177: 1087-1099.
In the O’Grady lab, I am using a DNA sequencing approach to investigate the microbial community composition in several habitats used by Hawaiian Drosophila for oviposition and larval development. Differences in microbial community composition may have played an important role in habitat switching by the flies, thereby contributing to the formation of reproductive barriers to gene flow among incipient species.
In other recent projects, I have used microsatellite markers to detect population differentiation among closely-spaced populations of eelgrass in San Francisco Bay, with applications to planning and managing restoration of eelgrass to the area. This collaboration with researchers at San Francisco State University is ongoing. In my dissertation work, I used biparental inheritance of mitochondrial DNA in mussels to reveal widespread purifying selection in protein coding mitochondrial genes. In this case, the two sexes represent a barrier to mitochondrial gene flow, resulting in the strength of selection being unequal between male- and female-specific mitochondrial genomes. Continuing collaboration with my dissertation advisor and others is revealing details of the evolution of the biparental mtDNA inheritance system in bivalves.
Selected Publications (Full CV)
Cao, L, Ort, BS, Mizi, A, Pogson, GH, Kenchington, E, Zouros, E, and Rodakis, G. 2009. The control region of maternally and paternally inherited mitochondrial genomes of three species of the sea mussel genus Mytilus. Genetics 181:1045-1056.
Addison, JA, Ort, BS, Mesa, KA, and Pogson, GH. 2008. Nuclear and mitochondrial markers reveal lack of population structure in the California sea mussel, Mytilus californianus, in contrast to multiple estuarine species. Molecular Ecology 17: 4222-4232.
Ort, BS, and Pogson, GH. 2007. Molecular population genetics of the male and female mtDNA molecules of the California sea mussel, Mytilus californianus. Genetics 177: 1087-1099.
Dr. Kari Roesch Goodman, Postdoctoral Fellow
I’m interested in how species form and diversify. In my research, I combine tools from phylogenetics, population genetics and animal communication to examine what promotes speciation and diversification in evolutionary radiations. My primary geographic focus is the Hawaiian Islands, which are a speciation factory – particularly for the terrestrial arthropods, of which 99% of the native fauna are endemic.
For my postdoctoral work, I’m studying several independent lineages of Hawaiian flies. By comparing phylogenetic and biogeographic patterns among larger and smaller radiations, my collaborators and I are analyzing factors that may promote or constrain diversification.
For my postdoctoral work, I’m studying several independent lineages of Hawaiian flies. By comparing phylogenetic and biogeographic patterns among larger and smaller radiations, my collaborators and I are analyzing factors that may promote or constrain diversification.
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For my dissertation and in ongoing work, I’ve been studying a remarkable group of Hawaiian planthoppers (Nesosydne: Delphacidae). They are similar to other delphacids in that each species is highly specialized; they rely on their host plants for everything, including as a communication channel to send and receive courtship signals. However, while most members of this family use only monocot hosts, species on Hawaii have diversified to utilize a wide range of host plant families – primarily dicots. I’m studying the interaction of shifts in host plants and shifts in courtship signals in the divergence and diversification of this lineage.
Selected Publications (Full CV) Goodman, KR, Welter, S, and Roderick, GK. 2012. Genetic Divergence is Decoupled from Ecological Diversification in the Hawaiian Nesosydne Planthoppers. Evolution. doi:10.1111/j.1558-5646.2012.01643.x Spotswood, EN, Goodman, KR, Carlisle, J, Rousseau, J, Cormier, RL, Humple, D, Guers, SL, and Barton, G. 2012. How Safe is Mist Netting? Evaluating Injuries, Mortalities and Risk Factors. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 3(1): 29-38. Goodman, KR, Franco Morris, VR, Welter, S, and Roderick, GK. 2008. Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in an endemic Hawaiian planthopper (Nesosydne chambersi: Delphacidae). Molecular Ecology Resources, 8: 1436-1438. Wcislo, WT, Arneson, L, Roesch, K, Gonzales, V, Smith, A, and Fernandez, H. 2004. The evolution of nocturnal behavior in sweat bees, Megalopta genalis and M. ecuadoria, (Hymenoptera: Halictidae): an escape from competitors and enemies? Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 83: 377-387. Whitfield, JB, Cameron, SA, Ramirez, SR, Roesch, K, Messinger, S. Taylor, OM, and Cole, D. 2001. Review of the Apanteles Species (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) Attacking Lepidoptera in Bombus (Fervidobombus) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies in the New World, with Description of a New Species from South America. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 94(6): 851-857. |
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Lisa Marrack, PhD Candidate
I am interested in nearshore coastal ecosystem
resilience in the face of multiple anthropogenic stressors including sea level
rise, nutrient loading, and invasive species. Specifically, I am working in two
Hawaiian ecosystems at the interface of groundwater and marine hydrologic
systems - coral reefs and brackish anchialine pools. I am currently trying to
determine the distribution and dispersal patterns of the introduced Tahitian
prawn (Macrobrachium lar) within
widespread stream and anchialine pool locations throughout the State of Hawaii
using population genetics techniques. I also plan on examining the ecosystem impacts
of M. lar, other invasive species,
and anthropogenically elevated nutrient loads on anchialine pool habitats using
experimental field techniques. Additionally, I am modeling sea level rise
impacts to anchialine pool habitats using geospatial data and spatial analysis
to determine which pools are at risk for inundation, where new pool complexes
may emerge in the future, and how invasive species may spread as hydrologic
shifts occur. Finally, I am
collaborating with USGS coastal geologist Eric Grossman to examine the
ecosystem services that sub-marine groundwater discharge may provide nearshore
coral reefs. Both anchialine and coral ecosystems are valued by many user
groups within Hawaii yet are undergoing various levels of degradation. My goal
is to gain insight into key ecosystem processes and to share this information
with local community groups, planning agencies, and managers interested in
conserving these valuable natural resources.
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Selected Publications (Full CV)
Marrack, L. and S. Beavers. 2009. Inventory and Assessment of Anchialine Pool Habitats in Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. Technical Report – CESU University of Hawaii and National Park Service, 58 pgs. Marrack, L., S. Beavers, M Weijerman, and R. Most. 2009. Baseline Assessment of the Coral Reef Habitat Adjacent to the Shores of Kohanaiki Development in in Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. Technical Report – CESU University of Hawaii and National Park Service, 50 pgs. Weijerman, M, S. Beavers, and L. Marrack, 2009, Baseline Assessment of the Coral Reef Habitat Adjacent to the Proposed Harbor Expansion Development, Kona Kai Ola, in Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. PCSU Technical report, 57pgs. Marrack, L. 1999. The relationship between water motion and rodolith morphology and distribution in the Gulf of California. PALIOS. V:14, p159-171. |
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Jessica Craft, PhD Student
My dissertation will explore two important aspects of the Hawaiian Drosophildae: 1) the evolution and biogeography of Scaptomyza (subgenus Elmomyza) and 2) the use of Hawaiian drosophilids as proxies for ecosystem health.
Current research suggests that Scaptomyza colonized the main landmasses after diversifying on the Hawaiian Islands. This is thought to be a rare phenomenon and examination of this genus is sure to be fruitful. I plan to improve the taxonomic tools for all of Scaptomyza by updating and compiling current descriptions, infer the evolutionary relationships and biogeography of the subgenus Elmomyza, and examine the molecular ecology of host-plant use and yeast associations in Elmomyza.
The second portion of my dissertation will incorporate the ecology of Elmomyza as well as the ecology available for all other drosphilds. This is because most endemic drosophild species rely on native plants for nutrition and oviposition sites. The loss of much of Hawaii’s native habitat can be seen in listing of several Drosophila under the Endangered Species Act (USFWS News Release; Recovery Plan). Understanding fruit fly ecology means that the presence of these species can be utilized in determining the state and potential reestablishment of native forests.
In my investigation of ecosystem monitoring through the Hawaiian Drosophilidae, I will be examining three different high-elevation forests: Waikomoi Preserve, Kamakou Preserve, and Ola’a Forest Reserve. Historical species presence/absence data from the Ola’a and Waikamoi forests collected in the 60s and 70s, respectively, as well collections from Kamakou dating back to 1998 will be compared to native plant presence, invasive species presence (flora and fauna), amount of rainfall, and reserve size. This statistical analyses will be used to ascertain if drosophilidae presence can be equated to ecosystem health. Current collections will then be compared to the historical datasets to determine the effectiveness of the different management regimes for each reserve.
Current research suggests that Scaptomyza colonized the main landmasses after diversifying on the Hawaiian Islands. This is thought to be a rare phenomenon and examination of this genus is sure to be fruitful. I plan to improve the taxonomic tools for all of Scaptomyza by updating and compiling current descriptions, infer the evolutionary relationships and biogeography of the subgenus Elmomyza, and examine the molecular ecology of host-plant use and yeast associations in Elmomyza.
The second portion of my dissertation will incorporate the ecology of Elmomyza as well as the ecology available for all other drosphilds. This is because most endemic drosophild species rely on native plants for nutrition and oviposition sites. The loss of much of Hawaii’s native habitat can be seen in listing of several Drosophila under the Endangered Species Act (USFWS News Release; Recovery Plan). Understanding fruit fly ecology means that the presence of these species can be utilized in determining the state and potential reestablishment of native forests.
In my investigation of ecosystem monitoring through the Hawaiian Drosophilidae, I will be examining three different high-elevation forests: Waikomoi Preserve, Kamakou Preserve, and Ola’a Forest Reserve. Historical species presence/absence data from the Ola’a and Waikamoi forests collected in the 60s and 70s, respectively, as well collections from Kamakou dating back to 1998 will be compared to native plant presence, invasive species presence (flora and fauna), amount of rainfall, and reserve size. This statistical analyses will be used to ascertain if drosophilidae presence can be equated to ecosystem health. Current collections will then be compared to the historical datasets to determine the effectiveness of the different management regimes for each reserve.
Natalie Stauffer, PhD Student (co-advised with Dr. Vincent Resh)
Freshwater ecosystems are rapidly being altered due to shifting patterns of land use, urbanization, water diversions, water storage, water transportation, runoff, waste, fishing, invasive species, and climate change. As we continue to put more pressure on our freshwater resources, our understanding of ecological processes and the effects of various disturbances on aquatic ecosystems will need to be keener than it is today. Aquatic invertebrates are powerful tools for the biological assessment of changing aquatic habitats and can help guide us in restoration efforts and management decisions.
My goal is to use DNA barcoding to improve the speed and accuracy of freshwater bioassesment. Examining a number of population parameters, including genetic diversity, migration rate and effective population size will expand our understanding of how species resist various disturbances (e.g., water level, pollution, changes in community composition) and inform our management decisions. While barcoding is a relatively new tool in aquatic bioassment applications, I believe it has tremendous potential to help guide us in understanding, and thus protecting, aquatic ecosystems.
My goal is to use DNA barcoding to improve the speed and accuracy of freshwater bioassesment. Examining a number of population parameters, including genetic diversity, migration rate and effective population size will expand our understanding of how species resist various disturbances (e.g., water level, pollution, changes in community composition) and inform our management decisions. While barcoding is a relatively new tool in aquatic bioassment applications, I believe it has tremendous potential to help guide us in understanding, and thus protecting, aquatic ecosystems.
