Research
My research examines how biodiversity is shaped and responds to global changes over time, drawing on perspectives from paleobiology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and biogeography. I utilize methods such as morphometrics, genetics, and ecological and evolutionary modeling, with current projects focusing on Caribbean anoles and North American gopher tortoises. Additionally, I lead and contribute to literature reviews and meta-analysis studies on biodiversity conservation.
Morphological Diversity of Greater Antillean Anoles
Anoles (Anolis), known for their adaptive radiation across the Greater Antilles, are an ideal system for understanding how organisms evolve to thrive in varied ecological niches. My research investigates skeletal adaptations in these lizards through an ecomorphological lens, examining how skeletal traits scale with body size to uncover evolutionary patterns and inform fossil body size reconstruction. As part of a collaborative project, we study anoles' diverse cranial shapes using CT data to map adaptation landscapes across ecomorphs and Greater Antillean islands. Moving forward, I plan to incorporate anole fossils in my research program, which will allow me to trace morphological shifts over time and gain insights into how these fascinating lizards evolve in response to changing environments.
Understanding Fossils through Ancient DNA
Ancient DNA (aDNA) research allows us to uncover the genetic identities of fossilized organisms, revealing evolutionary relationships and informing prehistorical distributions that could otherwise be invisible in the fossil record. Gopherus, one of the largest terrestrial ectotherms and the only surviving genus of tortoises in North America, has experienced severe reductions in its prehistoric ranges. For example, the critically endangered Bolson tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus) currently occupies only 20% of its presumed Pleistocene range. For these tortoises, applying aDNA methods can help confirm past occurrences, track lineage continuity, and clarify shifts in range over time. These insights are particularly valuable for conservation, providing data that can guide reintroduction strategies for endangered species, whose prehistoric range offers critical clues for current recovery efforts.
Tracing Biodiversity Shifts in Jamaica
Anthropogenic impacts have profoundly shaped global biodiversity, contributing to population declines, range shifts, and extinctions of organisms across the planet. The Caribbean, a hotspot of biodiversity, faces challenges from rapid richness and abundance loss due to environmental stressors from waves of human colonization. Local conservation efforts could benefit from paleobiological studies that detect past shifts in phenotypic, taxonomic and functional diversity and help predict future ecological responses.
In early 2025, the Kemp Lab will start our first field season in Jamaica to explore community assemblages over time, focusing on changes before and after human colonization. Stay tuned for updates!
Jamaica Caves Organisation, 2020
Literature Review & Meta-Analyses
Kemp et al. 2023
Conservation Paleobiology in Terrestrial Communities
The Kemp Lab's recent review, published in Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, explores how conservation paleobiology can enhance understanding and conservation of terrestrial communities under growing anthropogenic pressures. By reviewing publications that integrated fossil, historical, and modern data, we illustrate the role of deep-time insights in ecology. discuss key tools and frameworks used in conservation paleobiology, identify current research gaps, and address the colonial legacies that shape conservation practices today.
Global Cold Spots of Genomic Resources
Genomic data play a crucial role in conservation by revealing genetic diversity and adaptive potential of organisms. In collaboration with the Zamudio Lab, I contributed to a study reviewing the current literature on genomic resources for amphibians and reptiles. Our systematic review assessed global distribution of genomic data for species at high risk of extinction, identified regions with limited resources relative to species richness and predicted global changes, and explored authorship pattern to understand parachute science. We found that while genomic data can reveal valuable insights into a species' ability to adapt, many regions, particularly in the Global South, lack essential resources. Our findings emphasize the need for expanded genomic research and enhanced international collaboration to address these gaps and bolster conservation efforts.
Carneiro et al. In Review
Anthropogenic Impact on Island Biodiversity
Island ecosystems, characterized by their geographical isolation, limited space, and high levels of endemism, are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes in the Anthropocene. My research involves a comprehensive review of current literature to explore how island communities worldwide are adapting to and coping with human disturbances.
Exciting projects in the works... Stay tuned!
xuxu(at)utexas(dot)edu
Address
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