The Zoology & Entomology Molecular Lab (ZEML) is a research group led by Prof. Shelley Edwards that aims to conduct research investigating evolutionary biological questions, innovating through development of new techniques and software for use in the field. The methods used include molecular techniques, morphological analyses, and functional analyses; however, it is anticipated that new skills brought into the group by researchers hired and students recruited (e.g., machine learning, software development, different analysis techniques) will expand the range of research methods used by the group in the future.

• Molecular techniques: Use of DNA genetic data (single genes and whole genomes) to delineate species, investigate evolutionary history of species, investigate population structuring and processes, and provide base information about species and communities for conservation decision makers.
• Morphological analyses: The study of body shape of species to identify the factors that underpin evolutionary processes. These studies can determine whether evolution in groups is due to genetic history, or is being driven by the environment; i.e., what is the driving factors behind evolution in groups.
• Functional analyses: Studies of the functional aspects of an organism; for example, their bite force, their running speeds, their locomotion pattern (how they run), their diet preferences, their mode of foraging, amongst others. These aspects are often tightly linked with the organism’s morphology, and give information about how they interact and function within a particular environment.

The research goals of the group include the production of scientific journal articles, but ultimately, we aim to be a group of innovation through the production of new analysis techniques and software. We also aim to improve on the knowledge of species and add to the conservation information for the resident species in their regions.

Visit the lab’s website for more information: https://gingerfishshell.wixsite.com/ZEML.

Publication highlights:

1. Edwards S, Bessinger R. (2024) Morphological variations of auditory bullae in otomyine rodents (Rodentia: Otomyini) in southern African biomes. J. Morph. 285: e21680
2. Nicolau GK, Edwards S. (2023) Diversity and endemism of South African gekkonids linked with the escarpment has implications for conservation priorities. 15(2): 306.
3. Keates C, Conradie W, Greenbaum E, Edwards S. (2019) A snake in the grass: Genetic structuring of the widespread African grass snake (Psammophylax Fitzinger 1843), with the description of a new genus and a new species. J. Zool. Syst. Evol. Res. 57(4): 1039-1066.
4. Conradie W, Busschau T, Edwards S. (2018) Two new species of Acontias (Acontinae, Scincidae) from the Mpumalanga Highveld escarpment of South Africa. Zootaxa. 4429 (1): 089–106.
5. Edwards S, Vanhooydonck B, Herrel A, Measey GJ, Tolley K (2012) Convergent evolution associated with habitat decouples phenotype from phylogeny in a clade of lizards. PLoS-One 7 (12): e52636. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051636.

Last Modified: Wed, 11 Dec 2024 10:33:00 SAST