Research Questions
Current: Do inter-individual differences of cone ratios (long-, medium-, and short- wavelengths) affect how we see?
Methods:
a. RNA extractions from ocular foveal tissue, then transcribed to cDNA.
b. Droplet digital PCR multi-plex probe based assay to infer expression levels of the cones.
PhD: What methods can be used to detect subtle variation in cryptic species?
Methods:
1. Multivariate allometry of tarsiers (Munds et al., 2018, IJP)
a. Cranial measurements of tarsiers skull. Allometric.
2. Multi-gene approach to infer the evolutionary history of a family of primates (Lorisidae) (Munds et al., 2018, MPE)
a. DNA extraction of hair samples from captive lorises
b. Designed primers from four regions (2 nuclear, 2 mtDNA)
c. Bayesian and Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses using fossil data to infer evolutionary history
3. The molecular basis of coat color in Lorisidae (Munds et al. 2021, E&E)
a. DNA extraction of hair samples
b. Designed unique primers for the Lorisidae melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R)
c. Photographic analyses of color variation of Lorisidae genera--ancestral reconstruction of hair color variation
d. Bayesian (BEAST) and maximum-likelihood (PAML) approach to determine if selection is happening on Lorisidae MC1R
Methods:
1. Multivariate allometry of tarsiers (Munds et al., 2018, IJP)
a. Cranial measurements of tarsiers skull. Allometric.
2. Multi-gene approach to infer the evolutionary history of a family of primates (Lorisidae) (Munds et al., 2018, MPE)
a. DNA extraction of hair samples from captive lorises
b. Designed primers from four regions (2 nuclear, 2 mtDNA)
c. Bayesian and Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses using fossil data to infer evolutionary history
3. The molecular basis of coat color in Lorisidae (Munds et al. 2021, E&E)
a. DNA extraction of hair samples
b. Designed unique primers for the Lorisidae melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R)
c. Photographic analyses of color variation of Lorisidae genera--ancestral reconstruction of hair color variation
d. Bayesian (BEAST) and maximum-likelihood (PAML) approach to determine if selection is happening on Lorisidae MC1R
Masters: Determining the abundance and species of Borneo's nocturnal mammals, focus on primates
Methods:
1. Abundance surveys of Borneo's nocturnal mammals (Munds et al. 2013 ESR)
a. Line-transect and point-sampling surveys
b. Humane live-trapping with random trapping grid
c. Micro-habitat assessments to determine the niche divergence between tarsiers an slow lorises in a floodplain forest, Malaysia Borneo
2. Bornean slow loris diversity (Munds et al. 2013, AJP)
a. Museum measurements of body size, length, crania etc
b. Analyses of pelage variation of Bornean slow lorises
c. Geographic assessment with correlation to pelage phenotype to determine species boundaries
Methods:
1. Abundance surveys of Borneo's nocturnal mammals (Munds et al. 2013 ESR)
a. Line-transect and point-sampling surveys
b. Humane live-trapping with random trapping grid
c. Micro-habitat assessments to determine the niche divergence between tarsiers an slow lorises in a floodplain forest, Malaysia Borneo
2. Bornean slow loris diversity (Munds et al. 2013, AJP)
a. Museum measurements of body size, length, crania etc
b. Analyses of pelage variation of Bornean slow lorises
c. Geographic assessment with correlation to pelage phenotype to determine species boundaries
