Invasive Lizard Ecology

About the Project:

Florida is home to more invasive species of reptiles than any other state. However, we still have a poor understanding of why some of these species are such successful invaders to new locations. The brown anole (Anolis sagrei) is one such species which reaches incredible densities and displaces native species within its invasive range. This research aims to infer if some of the brown anole’s success is due to plasticity in, or release from, the ‘typical’ life ecological traits these lizards naturally demonstrate. Students will be involved in taking measurements and making observations on morphology and behavior of anoles on and around Eckerd’s campus. Successful students can have the opportunity to expand initial research into other areas including ecological experimentation or exploration of modified brain development or neural gene expression association with anole's use of novel habitats in collaboration with Dr. Dobrin. Students will initially be working with Dr. Scott on this project..

Dr. Peter Scott earned his Ph.D. at the University of Alabama. His teaching and research interests include evolutionary biology,  herpetology, conservation genomics, systematics, and phylogenetics.

The First-Year Research Associate Program at Eckerd College honors academically outstanding students with awards of up to $1,000. The program also provides the opportunity, during the freshman year, for the award winners to work closely with a sponsor (faculty or administrative personnel) on a project of mutual interest. Associates might assist with research for faculty publication or new courses, conduct scientific experiments, work with creative artists, or develop projects related to any phase of the academic, cultural, and social life of the college. Scholars are selected on the basis of achievement in high school and on the creativity and depth of responses to items on this application.​

Online submission due no later than February 2, 2026.