Martha Muñoz, PhD

My lab is motivated by a general observation in biology: Evolution proceeds unevenly: whereas some traits and lineages appear relatively inert for millions of years, others diversify exceptionally rapidly. But why is this so? What causes evolution to achieve overdrive in some cases and straddle the slow lane in others? In this lab, we investigate the abiotic and biotic factors that guide the rate and pattern of evolution in reptiles, amphibians, and fishes. We are integrative organismal biologists: we study the phenotype as an integrated unit, and consider the organism within it environmental context.

Research in my lab can be organized under three complementary themes:

I. Behavior is a motor and a brake for evolution.

II. Mechanical relationships set the pace for phenotypic evolution.

III. Functional innovations are catalysts for evolution.