9508715 Smith This research will investigate evolutionary and ecological response of woodrats to climatic change since the last glacial maxima. Species-specific primers for woodrat ancient DNA will be developed with the goal of reconstructing population genetic fluctuations during interglacial/glacial events. %%% This research in its examination of genetic variation in ancient woodrat populations will provide the necessary framework to examine the stability of habitats over time, determination of critical thresholds for species replacement, and the comparative genetics of populations at the periphery versus the center of their geographic range. ***
