I am convinced that scientific collections are not only the main resource to store and document adequately biological diversity, but also the keystone that promotes proper production of scientific knowledge in fields such as systematic and evolutionary biology. Therefore, I am involved in outreach activities and workshops regarding their importance and the relevance of maintaining and continuing scientific collections.
Research
My general research interests fall in the realm of systematics, ecology, and evolution of neotropical birds. I am interested in understanding diversity patterns, and the mechanisms behind ecological and phenotypic differentiation that lead to speciation.
Specifically, by integrating field-work and museum-based techniques with ecological niche modeling, molecular data, and acoustic tools, I intend to (1) unravel evolutionary patterns of ecological and phenotypic diversification of Suboscines; (2) understand the importance of ecological and historical factors in determining diversity and biogeographic patterns; and (3) reexamine species limits within closely-related taxa.
Currently, some of the projects in which I am involved are related to:
2. Phenotypic and niche evolution in the antbirds (Thamnophilidae)
3. Systematics and species limits of Neotropical suboscines
Until recently, species were described almost exclusively based upon differences in morphological traits. Now days, the use of phylogenetic, vocal, and geographic datasets offer the opportunity to reexamine species limits of those traditionally complex species groups.
4. Inventories of poorly-known areas in South America
I often join collecting expeditions to different areas of South America. In those trips we usually discover unknown facts about the natural history, ecology, and distribution of colombian taxa. Hopefully, some time soon those discoveries will see light in peer-reviewed publications.
5. Importance of scientific collections
Percnostola rufifrons jensoni, Leticia, Colombia
Cercomacra parkeri, Antioquia, Colombia
Myrmoborus myotherinus elegans, Amazonas, Brazil
Antbird specimens at Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Colombia
Gymnopithys leucaspis bicolor, Panamá
The family Thamnophilidae provides an excellent scenario to study the patterns and mechanisms behind phenotypic and niche evolution in Suboscines. The integration of quantitative phylogenetic, geographical, ecological, vocal, and morphometric data at different spatial and taxonomic scales, allow testing contrasting predictions regarding phenotypic evolution and diversification patterns.
In collaboration with various museums and universities in the US and Brazil, we are constructing a subspecies-level phylogeny of the Suboscines using Massively Parallel Sequencing of ultraconserved elements (UCE).
1. Systematics of a pantropical diversification: the suboscine passerine birds
Myrmotherula axillaris albigula, Panamá
A sandy beach and gallery forest in a river island during dry season, Orinoco River, Colombia, 2002. Venezuela in the back.
