Robert B. Merritt
Professor of Biological Sciences and Interim Chair, History
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Office: Sabin-Reed 352 |  |
Phone: 585-3819 |
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Courses
Bio 110 Your Genes, Your Chromosomes
Bio 234 Genetic Analysis
Bio 235 Genetics Analysis Laboratory
Research Interests
The genetic structure of natural populations is influenced by natural selection, migration, genetic
drift and mating systems (modes of reproduction). The relative importance of these factors varies
from species to species and from population to population. In my lab we use molecular markers to
study genetic structure in a wide range of organisms, including both plants and animals. Presently
we are investigating the relative significance of asexual and sexual reproduction in Joshua tree
populations in the American Southwest. Work to date using phosphoglucose isomerase isozyme polymorphism
indicates that clonal (asexual) reproduction may play a much less significant role in this species
than has been previously suggested. Phosphoglucose isomerase genotypes show the random distribution
across geographic localities that would be expected for a primarily sexually reproducing species
rather than the patchy distribution expected with
clonal reproduction.
Representative Publications
Merritt, R.B., J.F. Rogers, and B.J. Kurz. 1978. Genic variability in Rhinichthys cataractae.
Evolution 32:116-124.
Starzyk, R.M., and R.B. Merritt. 1980. Malate dehydrogenase isozymes of the longnose dace, Rhinichthys cataractae. Biochemical Genetics 18:755-764
Merritt, R.B., W.H. Kroon, D.A. Wienski, and K.A. Vincent. 1984. Genetic structure of natural populations of the red-spotted newt, Notophthalmus viridescens. Biochemical Genetics 22:669-686.
Toulson, A., and R.B. Merritt. 2003. Phosphoglucose isomerase polymorphism and genetic structure in populations of the Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia). XIX International Congress of Genetics (abstract).
