David McLeod

Courtesy Research associate, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity Institute (Herpetology)
Director of Anatomy, Undergraduate Biology
Ph.D. University of Kansas
Office: 2047 Haworth Hall
Phone: (785) 864-4479
Fax: (785) 864-5860
dsmcleod@ku.edu

Websites

Herpetology Research: http://www.people.ku.edu/~dsmcleod/Home.html
KU Herpetology Division: http://herpetology.biodiversity.ku.edu/
Anatomy at KU: http://www.people.ku.edu/~dsmcleod/Anatomy

Area of Interest and Research

McLeod's research interests focus on the morphology,systematics, andecologyof amphibians and reptiles. His primary interests are in adult and larval amphibian morphology and understanding relationships within cryptic species complexes. Understanding phylogenetic relationships using molecular and morphological data sets provides a starting point for addressing questions related to topics such as systematics and taxonomy, development, functional morphology, and character evolution. Past work has involved the SE Asian Limnonectes kuhlii complex, detecting the chytrid fungus in Thailand, and examining changes in biodiversity through time at a historically significant sites in SE Asia and North America. Current research deals with the taxonomy of frogs the kuhlii complex, functional morphology of the fanged frogs (Genus Limnonectes), larval morphology and the evolution of larval anuran characters. The overarching goal of his research efforts is to make practical contributions towards conservation efforts and an understanding of biodiversity in regions where diversity is both underestimated and threatened by environmental and anthropogenic factors. McLeod welcomes inquiries from potential master's or PhD students interested in aspects of evolutionary biology and systematics that are complementary to his own and for which he can provide suitable mentorship.

Courses Taught

Fundamentals of Human Anatomy (BIOL 240)
Advanced human anatomy (BIOL 440)
Comparative anatomy (BIOL 510)
Teaching apprenticeship in Anatomy (BIOL 425)
Senior Seminar for human biology majors (BIOL 599)

Representative Publications