Invertebrate Zoology and Molecular Ecology

The Invertebrate Zoology & Molecular Ecology laboratory at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories consists of Dr. Jonathan Geller, his graduate students, affiliated researchers and post-doctoral associates, and technicians. Our research interests are broadly concerned with the evolution and ecology of marine invertebrates.

Much of our work uses molecular approaches; for example, we use molecular data to investigate study global and local patterns of marine biological invasions, phylogenetic relationships among species, population genetic structure, to identify larvae or members of sibling species complexes, and gene evolution. Our lab has been at the forefront of method development for metagenetic studies of metazoans in varied habitats, from plankton to sediments.

Our studies are motivated by an interest in whole organisms and their natural history;  our projects usually seek to extend our understanding of the adaptation of organisms to their environment. Graduate students are encouraged to develop expertise in both field and laboratory techniques, a general knowledge of the biology of invertebrates, and specific knowledge of the eastern Pacific invertebrate biota.