2019 WINNER: Thornton Larson
PROJECT: Cryptic Speciation of fanged-frogs in the volcanoes of Java and Sumatra (Limnonectes kuhlii species complex [Anura: Dicroglossidae])
Project Introduction:
Undetected cryptic species hinder accurate conservation assessments, as they mask a region’s true biodiversity. Cryptic species are characterized by extreme morphological similarity, and thus they cannot be easily identified without genetic data. Thornton's project investigates potential cryptic speciation within fanged-frogs (Limnonectes kuhlii species complex)
in the volcanoes of Java and Sumatra.
The broader impacts of this research are to create and better understand biological speciation across the islands of Indonesia. As the genus Limnonectes is riparian and an obligate aquatic breeder (typically rivers but have been known from disturbed habitats of standing water as well), Thornton's research has the potential to increase our understanding of the history of Indonesian riparian systems and associated biodiversity across the Sunda Shelf. The necessary samples for this project have already been collected and results are expected soon. This page will be update upon publication.
Undetected cryptic species hinder accurate conservation assessments, as they mask a region’s true biodiversity. Cryptic species are characterized by extreme morphological similarity, and thus they cannot be easily identified without genetic data. Thornton's project investigates potential cryptic speciation within fanged-frogs (Limnonectes kuhlii species complex)
in the volcanoes of Java and Sumatra.
The broader impacts of this research are to create and better understand biological speciation across the islands of Indonesia. As the genus Limnonectes is riparian and an obligate aquatic breeder (typically rivers but have been known from disturbed habitats of standing water as well), Thornton's research has the potential to increase our understanding of the history of Indonesian riparian systems and associated biodiversity across the Sunda Shelf. The necessary samples for this project have already been collected and results are expected soon. This page will be update upon publication.
