Gaynor Dolman (previous MSU Manager 2013-2017)

Molecular Systematics Unit Manager

Molecular Systematics Unit

B.Sc. (Hons), PhD

Contact

(08) 9212 3878 Gaynor.Dolman@museum.wa.gov.au

Research


  • Evolutionary processes generating diversification in Australian fauna
  • Applies DNA barcoding as a tool to determine distribution and conservation status of short range endemics
  • Applies genomic data to long-standing questions concerning the evolution of Western Australian fauna

Collections:

  • Develops and maintains collections of DNA and molecular data (DNA barcoding and genomic data) from fauna in the collection.
  • Utilises the collections to research distribution and evolution of Western Australian biodiversity using molecular data.

Services (to other bodies):

  • Represents the Western Australian Museum at meetings relevant to molecular data (DNA barcoding and genomics), for example molecular data applied to conservation policy.
  • Presents talks and provides media coverage on matters related to collections- based research in molecular systematics and evolution.

Exhibitions and Public Programs


  • Strategic planning and daily manangement of the Molecular Systematics Unit. 

  • Provides advice to environmental consultants, industry and government agencies on species diversity and relationships based on molecular data from Western Australian fauna.

  • Presents talks and provides media coverage on matters related to molecular systematics and evolution.

 

Selected Publications

Dolman G and Joseph L. (Submitted)  Multi-locus sequence data illuminate demographic drivers of Pleistocene speciation in semi-arid southern Australian birds (Cinclosoma spp.) 

Dolman G, Joseph L (2015) Evolutionary history of birds across southern Australia: structure, history and taxonomic implications of mitochondrial DNA diversity in an ecologically diverse suite of species. Emu 115, 35-48Dolman G, Joseph L (2012) A species assemblage approach to comparative phylogeography of birds in southern Australia. Ecology and Evolution 2, 354-369.

Dolman G, Joseph L (2012) A species assemblage approach to comparative phylogeography of birds in southern Australia. Ecology and Evolution 2, 354-369.

Toon A, Austin JJ, Dolman G, Pedler L, Joseph L (2012)  Evolution of arid zone birds in Australia: leapfrog distribution patterns and mesic-arid connections in quail-thrush (Cinclosoma, Cinclosomatidae) Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 62, 286-95.

Dolman G and Stuart-Fox D (2010) Processes driving male breeding colour and ecomorphological diversification in rainbow skinks: a phylogenetic comparative test. Evolutionary Ecology 24, 97-113.

Joseph L, Dolman G, Donnellan S, Saint KM, Berg ML and Bennett ATD (2008) Where and when does a ring start and end? Testing the ring-species hypothesis in a species complex of Australian parrots. Proceedings of the Royal Society B-Biological Sciences 275, 2431-2440.

Dolman G (2008) Evidence for Differential Assortative Female Preference in Association with Refugial Isolation of Rainbow Skinks in Australia's Tropical Rainforests. Plos One 3 (10).

Dolman G and Hugall AF (2008) Combined mitochondrial and nuclear data enhance resolution of a rapid radiation of Australian rainbow skinks (Scincidae: Carlia). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 49, 782-794.

Hickerson MJ, Dolman G and Moritz C (2006) Comparative phylogeographic summary statistics for testing simultaneous vicariance. Molecular Ecology 15, 209-223.

Dolman G and Moritz C (2006) A multilocus perspective on refugial isolation and divergence in rainforest skinks (Carlia). Evolution 60, 573-582.

Dolman G, Phillips B (2004) Single copy nuclear DNA markers characterized for comparative phylogeography in Australian wet tropics rainforest skinks. Molecular Ecology Notes 4, 185-187.

Wheeler D, Hope R, Cooper SJB, Dolman G, et al. (2001) An orphaned mammalian beta-globin gene of ancient evolutionary origin. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 98, 1101-1106.