Event

Through the analysis of Poecilia reticulata more commonly referred to as the Trinidadian guppy, we aim to develop a model that explicates how ecological processes can drive evolutionary change among fish species over time. Colleagues located in Trinidad collect samples of Poecilia reticulata from designated rivers and take photographs before returning them to their environment. Images are received by our lab in a monthly census and digitized using geometric morphometric procedures in order to quantify and track the evolution of body shape. Through the use of TPS software we are able to place landmarks on designated features of the guppy’s skeletal structure. By overlaying the data points our team is able to identify and measure evolutionary changes. Through analysis of changes in our models’ anatomy throughout the September 2015 flood in the open canopy sites (TAY, ULL), we are establishing casual relationships between environmental factors and specific evolutionary changes. Our findings will provide insight about the survival traits of Poecilia reticulata, as well as how the male and females evolution differ. As we continue to collect and analyze our data, we intend to develop conclusions that are applicable across fish species, creating new avenues for future research.