John W. BickhamJohn W. BickhamMy lab's research focuses primarily on the evolutionary biology of extant vertebrate taxa including systematics, population genetics, and toxicology using current molecular genetic and cytometric techniques.
My interest in this area of vertebrate evolution deals mainly with mammals (Chiropterans, Rodents, and Pinnipeds), reptiles (Testudines), and fish (Salmonids). Current projects include metapopulation structure of slider turtles (Trachemys scripta), a systematic review of pocket gophers (Geomys personatus) population genetics of Steller's sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). I am also working on stock assessment and identification of several commercially important North American salmonids (Oncorhynchus sp., Coregonus sp.).
I am also interested in the effects environmental pollutants have on the population structure of wildlife and their role as potential indicators of environmental health. Environmental toxins manifest their effects in a variety of manners, and my research is geared toward chronic or long-term evolutionary consequences of exposure. Current projects focus on genetic damage and resulting changes in the genetic structure of populations. We are interested in birds (Pelecanus occidentalis, Aythya affinis, Ardea herodias, Nycticorax nycticorax, and Hirundo rustica), mammals (Peromyscus leucopus, Microtus ochrogaster, Mustela vison, and Pipistrellus kuhli), fish (Acipenser guldenstaedti), and reptiles (Testudines-Trachemys scripta, Emys orbicularis, Mauremys caspica, and Chelonia mydas).
Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) - Learn about the population genetics research we are doing on this endangered species.
This is an upper level course concerned with the evolution of vertebrates. We trace the evolution of the major vertebrate characteristics and classes from the fossil record through advanced, extant species of today. The lecture offered on Mondays and Wednesdays is concerned primarily with extinct fauna and their relationship to extant fauna as well as the phylogenetic relationships among the different vertebrate classes. The laboratory offered on Thursdays and Fridays deals with extant species--it relies on a hands on approach to interpreting and understanding external vertebrate characteristics and relationships.
Office Number 979-845-5777 Lab Number 979-847-9460