Dr. Roberta Graboski
Amphisbaena alba (Photo by Alejandro Artega - Tropical Herping)
Research Program
I am a Brazilian postdoctoral researcher at the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History (Tel Aviv University, Israel) in Shai Meiri's Lab. As an evolutionary biologist, my interests fall within two broad areas: (1) understanding species diversity through intensive fieldwork and collections-based research, with a focus on Squamata; and (2) application of phylogenetic, high-throughput sequencing, distributional data, high-resolution X-Ray computed tomography (HRXCT), and geometric morphometrics techniques to infer processes in macroevolution.
Some of the projects and research activities that I am currently involved in are:
Research Description
1. Systematics and phenotypic evolution of amphisbaenian and scolecophidian
My current research aims to integrate comparative methods and biomechanics analyses to elucidate the functional mechanisms that promote cranial diversity in fossorial organisms (i.e., Amphisbaenia and Scolecophidia).
Since 2013, I have been developing a broad study on the evolution of limbless worm lizards known as Amphisbaenia. This group of lizards has skull morphologies highly specialized to the fossorial habit. Because of their remarkable specialization in excavating, understanding the evolution of their skulls can help us understand how morphology changes due to such selective pressures and the evolutionary forces that drive the variation in cranial morphology.
Skull of Amerotyphlops brongersmianus
2. Systematic survey of Israel’s land reptile biodiversity
Correct systematics is at the basis of all biodiversity studies and is also critical for informed conservation efforts. However, systematic studies are usually carried out piecemeal, and in many regions, such as most of the Middle East, are almost nonexistent.
Since 2022, I have been developing a study on the hidden diversity of Middle East Reptiles, focusing on Israeli diversity, using molecular and morphological datasets to shed light on the Middle East species' systematics and biogeographic history. This research is in collaboration with Dr. Shai Meiri (Tel Aviv University, Israel) and Dr. Aaron Bauer (Villanova University, Pennsylvania, USA).
Uromastix ornata
3. Systematics, population genetic structure, and species limits of Neotropical reptiles
I am interested in constructing the Tree of Life and understanding the population genetic structure of Neotropical Reptiles to shed light on the speciation patterns of the leading South American biomes, such as the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Amazonia. To elucidate the Reptile species limits, systematics, and population genetics in the Neotropics, I aimed to put several lines of evidence together: Morphological characters (pholidosis, morphometrics, and hemipenial anatomy), Sanger, and high-throughput sequencing data.
4. The importance of scientific collections
Natural history museums feel like home to me, and they are the best place to study and understand evolutionary processes that shape the evolution and diversification of organisms. Throughout my academic career, I have worked at natural history museums worldwide (visiting several collections in Africa, Europe, and South and North America). I am convinced that scientific collections are not only the primary source to store and document biological diversity but also the engines that promote the proper production of scientific knowledge and advanced science in high school and undergraduate courses.