Biology Dissertation Chapter Wins Editor's Choice Award
Tyler Chafin
Tyler Chafin, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences, recently published a chapter of his dissertation in the journal Heredity.
The article, titled "Hybridization Drives Genetic Erosion in Sympatric Desert Fishes of Western North America," received the journal's Editor's Choice award.
Chafin's research focuses on how anthropogenic habitat modifications — those caused by humans — can disrupt reproductive barriers or obscure environmental conditions for sympatric species, defined as those living in the same geographic area that have not lost their identity from inbreeding.
Chafin used DNA testing of two historically sympatric fish species in the Colorado River Basin in his study, ultimately determining that human-caused changes to the environment did contribute to "hybridization" between the two species. The results indicate that such environmental changes can reduce biodiversity.
Jane Hughes, Heredity's associate editor, wrote that Chafin's work "uses modern genetic approaches to address some interesting questions about the potential effects of habitat modification on the maintenance or breakdown of species boundaries. … The implication is that areas of sympatry have occurred relatively recently as a result of a variety of human associated changes to the environment, bringing previously isolated species together."
Topics
Contacts
Tyler Chafin, graduate student
Department of Biological Sciences
479-575-3251,
tkchafin@uark.edu
Bob Whitby, feature writer
University Relations
479-575-4737,
whitby@uark.edu
Headlines
U of A Bands to Hold Three Nights of Concerts
The Symphonic Band, the Wind Symphony, the 4 O'Clock and 5 O'Clock Bands and the Wind Ensemble will perform April 21-23 at the Faulkner Performing Arts Center on the U of A campus.
Honors College to Host 'Best in Show' Dog Celebration
The campus and community are invited to celebrate our furry friends with popsicles, water and dog treats from 3-4 p.m. Thursday, April 25, in the Gearhart Courtyard.
New Parasite Affecting Canadian Partridges Named for Arkansas Poultry Scientist
A long-time colleague in Canada gave a newly found parasite the scientific name Eimeria hargisi in honor of U of A poultry science researcher Billy Hargis.
U of A School of Law Student Selected for Ms. J.D. Leadership Academy Intensive
Tristan Branstetter-Thomas, a second-year law student, was one of 30 students from across the country chosen to participate in the leadership academy at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago.
Needy Honored as Distinguished Alumna of University of Pittsburgh Engineering College
College of Engineering Dean Kim Needy was among seven alumni of the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering honored in April as part of the 2024 Class of Distinguished Alumni.