Teaching Interests

BSC 305 Evolution
BSC 370 Genetics
BSC 472 Population Genetics

Research Interests

I am interested in the evolutionary forces that shape the geographic patterns of genetic variation within a species, and often this work blends into the areas of systematics and conservation. In particular, I am interested in applying a phylogeographic approach to the study of geographic patterns of genetic variation. In this method, the phylogenetic relationships of individuals are compared with their geographic distribution. The extent and geographic pattern of genetic differentiation can then be interpreted in light of the evolutionary forces likely to have shaped such a pattern. For example, the plains killifish (Fundulus zebrinus) is widely distributed throughout the west central United States in river systems that changed dramatically over the course of the Pleistocene. An intraspecific phylogeny of F. zebrinus allowed me to make inferences regarding the geologic history of this region as well resolve a long-standing controversy over the taxonomic status of this fish.

While much of the research in my lab focuses on fishes, my research program tends to be more question oriented as opposed to organism specific. My early work has been based in the western United States, but currently in my lab we developing projects that are focused on the biota of the southeastern United States including freshwater fishes and mussels. Students working in my lab have a diverse array of interests. They are working on a variety of organisms including fish, blue crabs, and pythons. While the organisms are diverse, the common theme is the study of geographic patterns of genetic variation. I also actively collaborate with students from other labs, and we have used molecular techniques to undertake projects such as an assessment of stock structure in the endangered Gulf Sturgeon or determine the sex of birds.

Current Graduate Students

Representative Publications

Darden, R.L., T.P. Darden and B.R. Kreiser. 2002. Mussel fauna of the Strong River. Journal of Freshwater Ecology. 17(4):651-653.

Kreiser, B.R., J.B. Mitton, & J.D. Woodling. 2001. Phylogeography of the plains killifish, Fundulus zebrinus. Evolution. 55(2): 339-350.
 

Kreiser, B.R. 2001. Mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences support the recognition of two cryptic species of killifish: Fundulus kansae and Fundulus zebrinus. The American Midland Naturalist 146: 199-209.
 

Kreiser, B.R., J.B. Mitton, & J.D. Woodling. 2000. Single versus multiple sources of introduced populations identified with molecular markers: a case study of a freshwater fish. Biological Invasions 2: 295-304.