Herpetology Research at Museum Victoria

Herpetology Research at
Museum Victoria

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David Chapple

ARC Postdoctoral Fellow, Herpetology
dchapple@museum.vic.gov.au

Evolution and ecology of squamate reptiles: molecular phylogenetics, phylogeography, systematics, population genetics and evolutionary ecology.

My research focuses on the evolution and ecology of lizards (mostly skinks). However, my research interests incorporate a broad range of topics within evolutionary biology including molecular phylogenetics, phylogeography, evolutionary ecology, evolution of social behaviour, predator-prey interactions, life-history evolution and behavioural ecology. I generally utilise a combination of molecular, field-based and experimental laboratory studies in my research.

My current research examines the invasion dynamics of the delicate skink, Lampropholis delicata. The delicate skink is native to eastern Australia, but has been introduced to (and subsequently become invasive) Lord Howe Island, New Zealand and the Hawaiian Islands. The project aims to use genetic and morphological techniques to: i) complete a phylogeographic study of the delicate skink across its native range; ii) identify the source population/s for the introduction of the delicate skink to Lord Howe Island, New Zealand and Hawaii; and iii) compare the source and introduced populations to examine whether short-term evolution (genetic, phenotypic etc) has occurred following each introduction.

Skinks

Previous Projects

Origin and evolution of the New Zealand skink fauna
New Zealand boasts one of the world's most diverse temperate assemblages of herpetofauna, with an endemic skink radiation that comprises two genera (Oligosoma and Cyclodina) and as many as 40-50 species. My research used molecular techniques to examine the origin and evolution of the New Zealand skink fauna. I constructed a robust phylogeny for all New Zealand skinks based on sequences from multiple mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear genes. This phylogeny enhanced our knowledge of the evolutionary history of this group and resolved several long-standing taxonomic issues. I also completed molecular phylogeographic studies to examine the influence of historical processes on the evolution and distribution of several widespread New Zealand skink species. This molecular work, in conjunction with morphological revisions, resulted in the description of several new skink species.

Phylogenetics and phylogeography of the Egernia whitii species group (Scincidae)
As part of my PhD research I examined the phylogenetics and phylogeography of the Egernia whitii group of skinks. I assembled a molecular phylogeny (using mitochondrial and nuclear genes) for the Egernia whitii species group, an endemic group of skinks that comprises representatives from arid and temperate Australia, in order to test several biogeographical hypotheses regarding the origin of the Australian arid-zone fauna. In addition, I examined the phylogeography of the members of the Egernia whitii group of skinks in both the temperate south-east and arid regions of Australia using sequence from the ND4 mitochondrial gene.

Evolution of sociality in the Egernia Group of skinks
Squamate reptiles generally have been ignored in the search for a unified theory for the evolution of sociality due to the perception that they exhibit little social behaviour beyond territoriality and dominance hierarchies and display polygynous mating systems. However, a growing body of research has revealed unsuspected levels of social complexity and diversity in mating systems within the squamate lineage, particularly among the members of the Australian Scincid genus Egernia. Several species of Egernia are amongst the most highly social of all squamate reptiles, exhibiting stable social aggregations and high levels of long-term social and genetic monogamy. I completed a thorough review of the ecology, life-history and behaviour of the Egernia genus to examine the potential ecological correlates of the evolution of sociality within the group. Social complexity is widespread within the Egernia genus, with reports of social aggregations in 24 of the 32 described species. The Egernia Group appears to be an ideal model system to examine the evolution of sociality within a reptilian lineage.

I examined the life-history, social group structure and mating system of a population of White's skink (Egernia whitii) in the Australian Capital Territory using a mark-recapture study, behavioural observations and DNA microsatellite analyses. This species was found to live in small social groups that are comprised of closely related individuals. These social groups are highly stable in their composition between seasons. Parentage analysis of E. whitii litters revealed that its mating system is characterized by both polygyny and monogamy.

Consequences of tail autotomy in small skinks
I completed my honours project on the consequences of tail loss in a small skink. Caudal autotomy in lizards is an effective defensive tactic that is used to facilitate escape from predators when other strategies such as crypsis and fleeing have failed. However, although tail loss provides the individuals with an immediate survival benefit, subsequent and severe 'costs' may be incurred by the loss of the tail. I conducted a series of manipulative laboratory studies and field observations to examine the consequences of tail loss in the Metallic skink, Niveoscincus metallicus. Tail autotomy, in some instances, was observed to inhibit locomotor performance, although the effect was generally short-lived. Thermoregulatory behaviour was not altered following the loss of the tail. Caudal lipid stores were found to be the major locality of energetic reserves in N. metallicus; however, they were positioned in a manner that reduced their depletion during tail autotomy. Regardless of the positioning of the tail break, tail loss acted to decrease reproductive investment and alter offspring phenotype. Geographic variation in the frequency of tail loss was found to exist, although caudal autotomy was found to be an extremely common occurrence in all populations studied. Although the potential consequences of caudal autotomy appeared severe, several factors acted to limit the costs of tail loss in N. metallicus.

Publications

28. Chapple DG, Hutchinson MN, Maryan B, Plivelich M, Moore JA, Keogh JS (in press) Evolution and maintenance of colour pattern polymorphism in Liopholis (Squamata: Scincidae). Australian Journal of Zoology, in press.

27. O'Neill SB, Chapple DG, Daugherty CH, Ritchie PA (2008) Phylogeography of two New Zealand lizards: McCann's skink (Oligosoma maccanni) and the brown skink (O. zelandicum). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, in press, doi: 10.1016/j.ympev.2008.05.008

26. Chapple DG, Daugherty CH, Ritchie PA (2008) Comparative phylogeography reveals pre-decline population structure of New Zealand Cyclodina (Reptilia: Scincidae) species. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, in press.

25. Chapple DG, Patterson GB, Bell T, Daugherty CH (2008) Taxonomic revision of the New Zealand Copper Skink (Cyclodina aenea: Squamata: Scincidae) species complex, with description of two new species. Journal of Herpetology, in press.

24. Liggins L, Chapple DG, Daugherty CH, Ritchie PA (2008) A SINE of restricted gene flow across the Alpine Fault: phylogeography of the New Zealand common skink (Oligosoma nigriplantare polychroma). Molecular Ecology 17: 3668-3683.

23. Liggins L, Chapple DG, Daugherty CH, Ritchie PA (2008) Origin and post-colonization evolution of the Chatham Islands skink (Oligosoma nigriplantare nigriplantare). Molecular Ecology 17: 3290-3305.

22. Chapple DG, Patterson GB, Gleeson DM, Daugherty CH, Ritchie PA (2008) Taxonomic revision of the marbled skink (Cyclodina oliveri, Reptilia: Scincidae) species complex, with a description of a new species. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 35: 129-146.

21. Greaves, S.N.J., D.G. Chapple, C.H. Daugherty, D.M. Gleeson & P.A. Ritchie (2008) Genetic divergences pre-date Pleistocene glacial cycles in the New Zealand speckled skink, Oligosoma infrapunctatum. Journal of Biogeography 35: 853-864.

20. Hare, K.M., C.H. Daugherty & D.G. Chapple (2008) Comparative phylogeography of three skink species (Oligosoma moco, O. smithi, O. suteri; Reptilia: Scincidae) in northeastern New Zealand. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 46: 303-315.

19. Chapple, D.G. & G.B. Patterson (2007) A new skink species (Oligosoma taumakae sp. nov.; Reptilia: Scincidae) from the Open Bay Islands, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 34: 347-357.

18. 18. Greaves, S.N.J., D.G. Chapple, D.M. Gleeson, C.H. Daugherty & P.A. Ritchie (2007) Phylogeography of the spotted skink (Oligosoma lineoocellatum) and green skink (O. chloronoton) species complex (Lacertilia: Scincidae) in New Zealand reveals pre-Pleistocene divergence. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45: 729-739.

17. Chapple, D.G., A.J. Stow, D. O'Connor, S. Fuller & M.G. Gardner (2006) Cross-species amplification of DNA microsatellite loci in an Australian lineage of social lizards (Scincidae, genus Egernia). Herpetological Review, 37: 177-180.

16. Chapple, D.G. & J.S. Keogh (2006). Group structure and stability in social aggregations of White's skink, Egernia whitii. Ethology, 112: 247-257.

15. Chapple, D.G. (2005) Life history and reproductive ecology of White's skink, Egernia whitii. Australian Journal of Zoology, 53: 353-360.

14. Chapple, D.G., J.S. Keogh & M.N. Hutchinson (2005) Substantial genetic substructuring in southeastern and alpine Australia revealed by molecular phylogeography of the Egernia whitii (Lacertilia: Scincidae) species group. Molecular Ecology, 14: 1279-1292.

13. Chapple, D.G. & J.S. Keogh (2005) Complex mating system and dispersal patterns in a social lizard, Egernia whitii. Molecular Ecology, 14: 1215-1227.

12. Duffield, S.J., L. Winder & D.G. Chapple (2005) Calibration of sampling techniques and determination of sample size for the estimation of egg and larval populations of Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on irrigated soybean. Australian Journal of Entomology, 44: 293-298.

11. Chapple, D.G., J.S. Keogh & M.N. Hutchinson (2004) Molecular phylogeography and systematics of the arid-zone members of the Egernia whitii (Lacertilia: Scincidae) species group. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 33: 549-561.

10. Chapple, D.G. & R. Swain (2004) Inter-populational variation in the cost of autotomy in the metallic skink, Niveoscincus metallicus. Journal of Zoology, 264: 411-418.

9. Clemann, N., D. G. Chapple & J. Wainer (2004) Sexual dimorphism, diet and reproduction in the swamp skink, Egernia coventryi. Journal of Herpetology 38: 461-467.

8. Chapple, D.G. & J.S. Keogh (2004) Parallel adaptive radiations in arid and temperate Australia: molecular phylogeography and systematics of the Egernia whitii (Lacertilia: Scincidae) species group. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 83: 157-173.

7. Chapple, D.G., C.J. McCoull & R. Swain (2004) Effect of tail loss on sprint speed and growth in newborn skinks, Niveoscincus metallicus. Journal of Herpetology 38: 137-140.

6. Chapple, D.G. & R. Swain (2004) Caudal autotomy does not influence thermoregulatory characteristics in the metallic skink, Niveoscincus metallicus. Amphibia-Reptilia 25: 326-333.

5. Chapple, D.G. (2003) Ecology, life-history, and behavior in the Australian Scincid genus Egernia, with comments on the evolution of complex sociality in lizards. Herpetological Monographs 17: 145-180.

4. Chapple, D.G. & R. Swain (2002) Effect of caudal autotomy on locomotor performance in a viviparous skink, Niveoscincus metallicus. Functional Ecology 16: 817-825.

3. Chapple, D.G. & R. Swain (2002) Distribution of energy reserves in a viviparous skink: Does tail autotomy involve the loss of lipid stores? Austral Ecology 27: 565-572.

2. Chapple, D.G., C.J. McCoull & R. Swain (2002) Changes in reproductive investment following caudal autotomy in viviparous skinks (Niveoscincus metallicus): Lipid depletion or energetic diversion? Journal of Herpetology 36: 480-486.

1. Duffield, S.J. & D.G. Chapple (2001) Within-plant distribution of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallergren)(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs on irrigated soybean. Australian Journal of Entomology 40: 151-157.

	Herpetology Research at Museum Victoria

Herpetology home Jane Melville Postdocs & Researchers Students Past students & researchers Grants and Projects Lab News - Hot off the Press! Our Favourite Links	Postdocs and Researchers David Chapple ARC Postdoctoral Fellow, Herpetology dchapple@museum.vic.gov.au Evolution and ecology of squamate reptiles: molecular phylogenetics, phylogeography, systematics, population genetics and evolutionary ecology. My research focuses on the evolution and ecology of lizards (mostly skinks). However, my research interests incorporate a broad range of topics within evolutionary biology including molecular phylogenetics, phylogeography, evolutionary ecology, evolution of social behaviour, predator-prey interactions, life-history evolution and behavioural ecology. I generally utilise a combination of molecular, field-based and experimental laboratory studies in my research. My current research examines the invasion dynamics of the delicate skink, Lampropholis delicata. The delicate skink is native to eastern Australia, but has been introduced to (and subsequently become invasive) Lord Howe Island, New Zealand and the Hawaiian Islands. The project aims to use genetic and morphological techniques to: i) complete a phylogeographic study of the delicate skink across its native range; ii) identify the source population/s for the introduction of the delicate skink to Lord Howe Island, New Zealand and Hawaii; and iii) compare the source and introduced populations to examine whether short-term evolution (genetic, phenotypic etc) has occurred following each introduction. Previous Projects *Origin and evolution of the New Zealand skink fauna* New Zealand boasts one of the world's most diverse temperate assemblages of herpetofauna, with an endemic skink radiation that comprises two genera (Oligosoma and Cyclodina) and as many as 40-50 species. My research used molecular techniques to examine the origin and evolution of the New Zealand skink fauna. I constructed a robust phylogeny for all New Zealand skinks based on sequences from multiple mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear genes. This phylogeny enhanced our knowledge of the evolutionary history of this group and resolved several long-standing taxonomic issues. I also completed molecular phylogeographic studies to examine the influence of historical processes on the evolution and distribution of several widespread New Zealand skink species. This molecular work, in conjunction with morphological revisions, resulted in the description of several new skink species. **Phylogenetics and phylogeography of the Egernia whitii* species group (Scincidae)*** As part of my PhD research I examined the phylogenetics and phylogeography of the Egernia whitii group of skinks. I assembled a molecular phylogeny (using mitochondrial and nuclear genes) for the Egernia whitii species group, an endemic group of skinks that comprises representatives from arid and temperate Australia, in order to test several biogeographical hypotheses regarding the origin of the Australian arid-zone fauna. In addition, I examined the phylogeography of the members of the Egernia whitii group of skinks in both the temperate south-east and arid regions of Australia using sequence from the ND4 mitochondrial gene. *Evolution of sociality in the Egernia Group of skinks* Squamate reptiles generally have been ignored in the search for a unified theory for the evolution of sociality due to the perception that they exhibit little social behaviour beyond territoriality and dominance hierarchies and display polygynous mating systems. However, a growing body of research has revealed unsuspected levels of social complexity and diversity in mating systems within the squamate lineage, particularly among the members of the Australian Scincid genus Egernia. Several species of Egernia are amongst the most highly social of all squamate reptiles, exhibiting stable social aggregations and high levels of long-term social and genetic monogamy. I completed a thorough review of the ecology, life-history and behaviour of the Egernia genus to examine the potential ecological correlates of the evolution of sociality within the group. Social complexity is widespread within the Egernia genus, with reports of social aggregations in 24 of the 32 described species. The Egernia Group appears to be an ideal model system to examine the evolution of sociality within a reptilian lineage. I examined the life-history, social group structure and mating system of a population of White's skink (Egernia whitii) in the Australian Capital Territory using a mark-recapture study, behavioural observations and DNA microsatellite analyses. This species was found to live in small social groups that are comprised of closely related individuals. These social groups are highly stable in their composition between seasons. Parentage analysis of E. whitii litters revealed that its mating system is characterized by both polygyny and monogamy. *Consequences of tail autotomy in small skinks* I completed my honours project on the consequences of tail loss in a small skink. Caudal autotomy in lizards is an effective defensive tactic that is used to facilitate escape from predators when other strategies such as crypsis and fleeing have failed. However, although tail loss provides the individuals with an immediate survival benefit, subsequent and severe 'costs' may be incurred by the loss of the tail. I conducted a series of manipulative laboratory studies and field observations to examine the consequences of tail loss in the Metallic skink, Niveoscincus metallicus. Tail autotomy, in some instances, was observed to inhibit locomotor performance, although the effect was generally short-lived. Thermoregulatory behaviour was not altered following the loss of the tail. Caudal lipid stores were found to be the major locality of energetic reserves in N. metallicus; however, they were positioned in a manner that reduced their depletion during tail autotomy. Regardless of the positioning of the tail break, tail loss acted to decrease reproductive investment and alter offspring phenotype. Geographic variation in the frequency of tail loss was found to exist, although caudal autotomy was found to be an extremely common occurrence in all populations studied. Although the potential consequences of caudal autotomy appeared severe, several factors acted to limit the costs of tail loss in N. metallicus. Publications 28. Chapple DG, Hutchinson MN, Maryan B, Plivelich M, Moore JA, Keogh JS (in press) Evolution and maintenance of colour pattern polymorphism in Liopholis (Squamata: Scincidae). Australian Journal of Zoology, in press. 27. O'Neill SB, Chapple DG, Daugherty CH, Ritchie PA (2008) Phylogeography of two New Zealand lizards: McCann's skink (Oligosoma maccanni) and the brown skink (O. zelandicum). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, in press, doi: 10.1016/j.ympev.2008.05.008 26. Chapple DG, Daugherty CH, Ritchie PA (2008) Comparative phylogeography reveals pre-decline population structure of New Zealand Cyclodina (Reptilia: Scincidae) species. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, in press. 25. Chapple DG, Patterson GB, Bell T, Daugherty CH (2008) Taxonomic revision of the New Zealand Copper Skink (Cyclodina aenea: Squamata: Scincidae) species complex, with description of two new species. Journal of Herpetology, in press. 24. Liggins L, Chapple DG, Daugherty CH, Ritchie PA (2008) A SINE of restricted gene flow across the Alpine Fault: phylogeography of the New Zealand common skink (Oligosoma nigriplantare polychroma). Molecular Ecology 17: 3668-3683. 23. Liggins L, Chapple DG, Daugherty CH, Ritchie PA (2008) Origin and post-colonization evolution of the Chatham Islands skink (Oligosoma nigriplantare nigriplantare). Molecular Ecology 17: 3290-3305. 22. Chapple DG, Patterson GB, Gleeson DM, Daugherty CH, Ritchie PA (2008) Taxonomic revision of the marbled skink (Cyclodina oliveri, Reptilia: Scincidae) species complex, with a description of a new species. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 35: 129-146. 21. Greaves, S.N.J., D.G. Chapple, C.H. Daugherty, D.M. Gleeson & P.A. Ritchie (2008) Genetic divergences pre-date Pleistocene glacial cycles in the New Zealand speckled skink, Oligosoma infrapunctatum. Journal of Biogeography 35: 853-864. 20. Hare, K.M., C.H. Daugherty & D.G. Chapple (2008) Comparative phylogeography of three skink species (Oligosoma moco, O. smithi, O. suteri; Reptilia: Scincidae) in northeastern New Zealand. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 46: 303-315. 19. Chapple, D.G. & G.B. Patterson (2007) A new skink species (Oligosoma taumakae sp. nov.; Reptilia: Scincidae) from the Open Bay Islands, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 34: 347-357. 18. 18. Greaves, S.N.J., D.G. Chapple, D.M. Gleeson, C.H. Daugherty & P.A. Ritchie (2007) Phylogeography of the spotted skink (Oligosoma lineoocellatum) and green skink (O. chloronoton) species complex (Lacertilia: Scincidae) in New Zealand reveals pre-Pleistocene divergence. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45: 729-739. 17. Chapple, D.G., A.J. Stow, D. O'Connor, S. Fuller & M.G. Gardner (2006) Cross-species amplification of DNA microsatellite loci in an Australian lineage of social lizards (Scincidae, genus Egernia). Herpetological Review, 37: 177-180. 16. Chapple, D.G. & J.S. Keogh (2006). Group structure and stability in social aggregations of White's skink, Egernia whitii. Ethology, 112: 247-257. 15. Chapple, D.G. (2005) Life history and reproductive ecology of White's skink, Egernia whitii. Australian Journal of Zoology, 53: 353-360. 14. Chapple, D.G., J.S. Keogh & M.N. Hutchinson (2005) Substantial genetic substructuring in southeastern and alpine Australia revealed by molecular phylogeography of the Egernia whitii (Lacertilia: Scincidae) species group. Molecular Ecology, 14: 1279-1292. 13. Chapple, D.G. & J.S. Keogh (2005) Complex mating system and dispersal patterns in a social lizard, Egernia whitii. Molecular Ecology, 14: 1215-1227. 12. Duffield, S.J., L. Winder & D.G. Chapple (2005) Calibration of sampling techniques and determination of sample size for the estimation of egg and larval populations of Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on irrigated soybean. Australian Journal of Entomology, 44: 293-298. 11. Chapple, D.G., J.S. Keogh & M.N. Hutchinson (2004) Molecular phylogeography and systematics of the arid-zone members of the Egernia whitii (Lacertilia: Scincidae) species group. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 33: 549-561. 10. Chapple, D.G. & R. Swain (2004) Inter-populational variation in the cost of autotomy in the metallic skink, Niveoscincus metallicus. Journal of Zoology, 264: 411-418. 9. Clemann, N., D. G. Chapple & J. Wainer (2004) Sexual dimorphism, diet and reproduction in the swamp skink, Egernia coventryi. Journal of Herpetology 38: 461-467. 8. Chapple, D.G. & J.S. Keogh (2004) Parallel adaptive radiations in arid and temperate Australia: molecular phylogeography and systematics of the Egernia whitii (Lacertilia: Scincidae) species group. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 83: 157-173. 7. Chapple, D.G., C.J. McCoull & R. Swain (2004) Effect of tail loss on sprint speed and growth in newborn skinks, Niveoscincus metallicus. Journal of Herpetology 38: 137-140. 6. Chapple, D.G. & R. Swain (2004) Caudal autotomy does not influence thermoregulatory characteristics in the metallic skink, Niveoscincus metallicus. Amphibia-Reptilia 25: 326-333. 5. Chapple, D.G. (2003) Ecology, life-history, and behavior in the Australian Scincid genus Egernia, with comments on the evolution of complex sociality in lizards. Herpetological Monographs 17: 145-180. 4. Chapple, D.G. & R. Swain (2002) Effect of caudal autotomy on locomotor performance in a viviparous skink, Niveoscincus metallicus. Functional Ecology 16: 817-825. 3. Chapple, D.G. & R. Swain (2002) Distribution of energy reserves in a viviparous skink: Does tail autotomy involve the loss of lipid stores? Austral Ecology 27: 565-572. 2. Chapple, D.G., C.J. McCoull & R. Swain (2002) Changes in reproductive investment following caudal autotomy in viviparous skinks (Niveoscincus metallicus): Lipid depletion or energetic diversion? Journal of Herpetology 36: 480-486. 1. Duffield, S.J. & D.G. Chapple (2001) Within-plant distribution of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and Helicoverpa punctigera (Wallergren)(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs on irrigated soybean. Australian Journal of Entomology 40: 151-157.






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