Ambrocio (Din) Matias

(Primary supervisor: Riginos)

Explaining genetic patterns across the Philippines using fine scale seascape genetics and phylogeography

My research is focused on looking at factors/processes that contribute to the creation and maintenance of genetic diversity in the Philippine reefs. I will be employing seascape genetics to look into the patterns of genetic diversity and connectivity within the Philippines and quantify how different spatial factors, including human impacts, influence these patterns. At a broader spatial scale, I will explore how genetic pattern within the Philippines is related to genetic pattern across the Indo- Pacific region. In particular, I wanted to see (1) the connectivity of Philippines to other regions and (2) if the genetic diversity within the Philippines originated within the region, or if it is a mixture from different regions, or if it is due to both processes.

Email: ambrocio.matias@uq.net.au