Patterns of Genetic Diversity in the Galapagos Archipelago: Identifying and Preserving Evolutionary Processes

Authors

Rebecca Baum, Brigham Young University
Dr. Jack W. Sites, Brigham Young University

Keywords

genetic diversity, Galapagos Archipelago, evolutionary processes

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

The Galapagos Archipelago, located 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador, arose 1-5 million years ago by the eruption of underwater volcanoes. It consists of 13 larger islands, 6 smaller islands, and numerous islets. The Archipelago is a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site, yet very little is known about its “hotspots” of genetic diversity or the processes that generate this diversity. The identification of areas of high genetic diversity provides information not only about lizards but also other native species. This information can be used to prioritize conservation efforts such as non-native (i.e. cats, rats, goats) species removal. Our research focused on contributing to “evolutionary process conservation” by focusing on lava lizards (genus: Microlophus) since they are a widely distributed and non-endangered group of vertebrates.

Recommended Citation

Baum, Rebecca and Sites, Dr. Jack W. (2013) "Patterns of Genetic Diversity in the Galapagos Archipelago: Identifying and Preserving Evolutionary Processes," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1050.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1050