One of the interesting aspects of the organisms inhabiting our planet is their obvious non-random distribution. Giraffes, for example, are found in Africa, and not South America. This non-random distribution represents a by-product of biotic evolution coinciding with the earth's geological development. Dr. Jay Savage, at the University of Miami will study the causes of present distributions of the Central and South American biota in general, and of four groups of amphibians and reptiles in particular, using specialized biochemical and analytical techniques. By determining the evolutionary relationship among closely related species that have restricted ranges, and then comparing the pattern of these relationships to hypothesized patterns determined by the geological history of the region in question, the relevant causes of their distributions can be determined. Specifically, Dr. Savage will determine the historical relationship between Middle and South American. As such, this study will lend important insights into the evolution of this region, both biologically and geologically.
