Seema Sheth
Education
Ph.D. Ecology Colorado State University 2014
M.S. Biology University of Missouri, St. Louis 2006
B.A. Environmental Science and Spanish Washington University in St. Louis 2002
Area(s) of Expertise
Evolutionary Ecology
Publications
- The evolution of thermal performance in native and invasive populations of Mimulus guttatus , EVOLUTION LETTERS (2022)
- Limited plasticity in thermally tolerant ectotherm populations: evidence for a trade-off , PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (2021)
- Spatial variation in high temperature-regulated gene expression predicts evolution of plasticity with climate change in the scarlet monkeyflower , MOLECULAR ECOLOGY (2021)
- Species distribution models rarely predict the biology of real populations , ECOGRAPHY (2021)
- A resurrection study reveals limited evolution of phenology in response to recent climate change across the geographic range of the scarlet monkeyflower , Ecology and Evolution (2020)
- A resurrection study reveals limited evolution of thermal performance in response to recent climate change across the geographic range of the scarlet monkeyflower , (2020)
- A resurrection study reveals limited evolution of thermal performance in response to recent climate change across the geographic range of the scarlet monkeyflower , Evolution (2020)
- Context Dependence of Local Adaptation to Abiotic and Biotic Environments: A Quantitative and Qualitative Synthesis , AMERICAN NATURALIST (2020)
- Determinants of geographic range size in plants , New Phytologist (2020)
- Range edges in heterogeneous landscapes: Integrating geographic scale and climate complexity into range dynamics , Global Change Biology (2020)
Grants
Throughout history, humans have relied on understanding the evolution and ecology of plants, which form the basis of all life on Earth. Climate change is threatening plants across the planet. One way that plants can persist in the face of changing climate is by adapting to new conditions. Understanding the abilities of plant populations to adapt to environmental change can improve our ability to prioritize biological groups of conservation concern, forecast vulnerability to climate change, and predict the rate of spread of invasive species. This project focuses on the processes that facilitate or constrain adaptation to novel conditions such as those beyond species geographic range edges or those that have arisen due to climatic changes. Specifically, this work will examine rapid adaptation to climate change within multiple populations across the scarlet monkeyflower’s (Mimulus cardinalis) geographic range. Aside from providing a comprehensive understanding of constraints to adaptation, this work will provide numerous training and mentoring opportunities for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral associates.