Department of Zoology
Professor
Ph.D. Ohio State University, 1991
aquatic ecology
| Office: 546 Mosler 89 PSN Lab: | Phone: 785-3246 529-0958 529-3380 | Email: bergdj@MUOhio.edu |
Office Hours: Monday . . . . 10:45 - 11:45 Tuesday . . . . Wednesday . . 10:45 - 11:45 Thursday. . . . Friday. . . . . . Others by appt. |
Biographical Information:
Research in my lab focuses on the evolution and conservation of biodiversity. Undergraduates, grad students, and postdocs investigate forces responsible for creating and maintaining genetic and community diversity of invertebrates in freshwater ecosystems. Our study organisms include invertebrates inhabiting springs in the Chihuahuan Desert of west Texas and southeastern New Mexico, and freshwater mussels (the most imperiled group of animals in North America) from throughout North America. The evolutionary forces we study are natural selection, isolation and dispersal among populations, and random changes in genetic diversity and community composition. Springs in the Chihuahuan Desert provide ideal systems for this work because they contain unique assemblages of invertebrates. Stark landscapes, wide-open spaces, and beautiful sunsets are added bonuses for working in this part of the world. Our work with freshwater mussels has focused on the geographic distribution of genetic diversity within species. We are interested in understanding the mechanisms by which populations of mussels re-inhabited northern rivers following the recessions of Pleistocene glaciers. We also are estimating the degree of gene flow among declining populations when isolation of such populations becomes greater due to habitat fragmentation and loss of intermediate populations.
In addition to basic research, we are examining the use of DNA sequencing for answering questions of conservation interest. The National Science Foundation has funded our surveys of desert springs to uncover cryptic biodiversity, new species that are genetically distinct from, but outwardly similar to, known species. We are testing the effectiveness of DNA barcoding, a rapid technique for identifying such diversity. The premise for this technique is that certain genes are similar among members of the same species, but differ significantly among species. If this is the case, these gene sequences can be “read” like a bar code in order to identify species. Because most of our study organisms are at risk of extinction - largely due to human alteration of habitat - our research is of interest to agencies and organizations that manage endangered species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF), the World Wildlife Fund, and other agencies and NGOs have provided funding. We are collaborating with NMDGF and The Nature Conservancy to protect freshwater invertebrate populations throughout the Chihuahuan Desert. |
Courses Taught:
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