We are a theoretical evolutionary morphology lab interested in the evolution of multivariate phenotypes.

A primary emphasis in the lab is the development of new analytical tools for quantifying multivariate phenotypes and patterns in those phenotypes. Current research emphasizes the development of phylogenetic comparative methods for multivariate phenotypes, developing statistical methods for high-dimensional data sets, and developing morphometric methods for characterizing patterns of shape variation and covariation. 

In our empirical work we are interested in understanding micro- and macroevolutionary patterns of phenotypic diversification, and the historical and ecological processes responsible for them. We use a comparative phylogenetic framework to attain these goals, directing our empirical work primarily towards vertebrates, with a focus on plethodontid salamanders.

Dr. Dean Adams
Distinguished Professor
Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011
(515) 294-3834
dcadams@iastate.edu
Dean's abbreviated CV (pdf)
Dean's Google Scholar Profile