Phone

607-254-4223

Address

Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Corson Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853-2703

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Department Profile

Research Description

Current research efforts in my laboratory focus on examining the genetics of natural populations and on application of modern molecular genetic techniques to questions in evolutionary biology. I am particularly concerned with understanding the dynamics of DNA sequence divergence (within and among populations and species) and with using population genetic and phylogenetic methods to gain insights into population structure, evolutionary relationships and the origin of species. I am interested both in how DNA and protein sequences change over time and in using these changes as markers for understanding pattern and process in evolution.

Much of the research in the Harrison lab is directed toward understanding the origin of species, the evolution of barriers to gene exchange, and the history and current dynamics of natural hybrid zones. The lab currently focuses on two model systems: (1) a well-characterized mosaic hybrid zone between two species of field crickets and (2) two "strains" of European Corn Borer (ECB) which differ in pheromone communication system. In the crickets, we are examining patterns of infection with the bacterium Wolbachia, sperm competition, and sperm viability in an attempt to explain reproductive incompatibilities between the two species. We are also pursuing DNA-based approaches for identifying genes encoding reproductive proteins, with the aim of discovering molecules that mediate sperm competition and serve as oviposition stimuli. In ECB, we are constructing a linkage map that will serve as the framework for mapping major genes that control pheromone production and response and life history variation. An ultimate goal is to identify the genes responsible for phenotypic differences that appear to contribute to reproductive isolation between the two ECB strains

Many students in my lab develop their own research projects, and therefore the lab is host to a diverse array of studies in systematics, biogeography and population genetics. In addition to students working on the projects outlined above, I currently have students working on (1) population structure of whales; (2) systematics and patterns of diversification in gall-forming flies; (3) phylogeography and patterns of diversification in butterflies; (4) phylogeography and population structure in bark beetles.

Selected Publications

• Andres, J. A., L. S. Maroja, S. M. Bogdanowicz, W. J. Swanson, and R. G. Harrison. Molecular evolution of seminal proteins in field crickets. Molecular Biology and Evolution 23(8):1574?]1584.
• Braswell, W. E., J. A. Andres, L. Maroja, R. G. Harrison, D. J. Howard, and W. J. Swanson. Identification and comparative analysis of accessory gland proteins in Orthoptera. Genome 49(9):1069-1080.
• Dalecky, A., S. M. Bogdanowicz, E. B. Dopman, D. Bourguet, and R. G. Harrison. Two multiplex sets of eight and five microsatellite markers for the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Molecular Ecology Notes 6(3):945-947.
• Hatch, L. T., E. B. Dopman, and R. G. Harrison. Phylogenetic relationships among the baleen whales based on maternally and paternally inherited characters. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 41:12-27.
• Lovejoy, N. R., S. P. Mullen, G. A. Sword, R. F. Chapman, and R. G. Harrison. Ancient trans-Atlantic flight explains locust biogeography: Molecular phylogenetics of Schistocerca. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 273(1588):767?]774.
• Ross, C. L. and R. G. Harrison. Viability selection on overwintering eggs in a field cricket mosaic hybrid zone. Oikos 115(1):53-68.
• Dopman, E. B., L. Perez, S. M. Bogdanowicz, and R. G. Harrison. Consequences of reproductive barriers for genealogical discordance in the European corn borer. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA 102(41):14706?]14711.
• Hufbauer, R. A., S. M. Bogdanowicz, and R. G. Harrison. The population genetics of a biological control introduction: mitochondrial DNA and microsatellie variation in native and introduced populations of Aphidus ervi, a parisitoid wasp. Molecular Ecology 13:337-348.
• Dopman, E. B., S. M. Bogdanowicz, R. G. Harrison. Genetic mapping of sexual isolation between E and Z pheromone strains of the European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis). Genetics 167:301-309.
• Broughton, R. E. and Harrison, R. G. Nuclear Gene Genealogies Reveal Historical, Demographic, and Selective Factors Associated with Speciation in Field Crickets. Genetics 163:1389-1401.
• Harrison, R. G., S. M. Bogdanowicz, R. S. Hoffmann, E. Yensen, and P. W. Sherman. Phylogeny and Evolutionary History of the Ground Squirrels (Rodentia: Marmotinae). Journal of Mammalian Evolution 10(3):249-276.
• Hey, J., Waples, R. S., Arnold, M. L., Butlin, R. K., and Harrison, R. G. Understanding and Confronting Species Uncertainty in Biology and Conservation. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 18(11):597-603.
• Harrison, R. G. Species concepts. In: Encyclopedia of Evolution, M. Pagel (ed.). Oxford University Press, pp. 1078-1083.
• Ross, C. L. and R. G. Harrison. A fine-scale spatial analysis of the mosaic hybrid zone between Gryllus Firmus and Gryllus Pennsylvanicus. Evolution 56(11):2296-2312.
• Harrison, R. G. Diverse origins of biodiversity: A provocative look at how new species arise. Review of Frogs, files, and dandelions: The making of species, by M. Schilthuizen. Nature 411:635-636.
• Harrison, R. G. Genealogies and geography: Deciphering recent evolutionary history. Review of Phylogeography, by J. C. Avise. Evolution 55(3):646-649.
• Mandel, M. J., C. L. Ross, and R. G. Harrison. Do Wolbachia infections play a role in unidirectional incompatibilities in a field cricket hybrid zone? Molecular Ecology 10:703-709.
• Bogdanowicz, S. M., P. W. Schaefer, and R. G. Harrison. Mitochondrial DNA variation among worldwide populations of gypsy moths, Lymantria dispar. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 15(3):487-495.
  Durrett, R., L. Buttel, and R. G. Harrison. Spatial models for hybrid zones. Heredity 84:9-19.