Abstract
In the post-doctoral project submitted to FAPESP, we stated that our goal was to examine for the first time, in a continental scale, the identity, origin, and biogeographic history of one of the most diverse South American lizard radiations: the tropidurines. To do so, we need to take advantage of advanced sequencing techniques (next generation sequencing, NGS) and truly comprehensive data sets. The BEPE internship will allow the Co-PI to go towards these scientific and practical goals. That is why we listed in the original post-doctoral proposal to FAPESP the BEPE program as a necessary resource to be requested next. Overall, we aim to (1) produce a monophyletic classification of tropidurines; (2) elucidate and describe taxonomic diversity in this group; and (3) investigate its biogeographic and diversification history. Throughout the BEPE internship, most efforts will be concentrated on learning and execution of NGS methods and bioinformatics tools for analysis of large multi-locus and genomic-level data sets. More specifically, we expect to (i) have access to advanced technological resources, molecular lab, and bioinformatics training at the University of Texas at Arlington, (ii) produce massive amounts of DNA sequence data, (iii) learn and develop analytical methods in phylogenomics and biogeography, (iv) produce high-impact peer reviewed publications, (v) collect morphological data of specimens deposited in US institutions, and (vi) establish international collaborations with scientists who are leading the fields of phylogenomics, bioinformatics, genome evolution, and biogeography. (AU)
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