Research Themes
What Fuels the Tree of Life? Drivers of Diversification
Why do some groups of organisms explode in diversity while others remain species-poor? This research investigates how the origin of new species varies across lineages, regions, and climates. By combining phylogenetic, ecological, and climatic approaches, I explore the evolutionary forces that govern the diversity of life on Earth.
Key publications
- Cerezer et al. (2023). Accelerated body size evolution in upland environments is correlated with recent speciation in South American freshwater fishes. Nature Communications.
- Cerezer et al. (2020). Latitudinal gradient of termite diversity indicates higher diversification and narrower thermal niches in the tropics. Global Ecology and Biogeography.
Causes of Species Richness Patterns Across Space, Time, and Clades
Why are some regions of the world far richer in species than others? This research investigates how ecological, evolutionary, and historical processes interact to shape global patterns of species richness across environments, regions, and lineages. By integrating macroecological and macroevolutionary perspectives, I aim to uncover the mechanisms that generate and maintain biodiversity gradients.
Key publications
- Cerezer et al. (2026). Diversity patterns in terrestrial tetrapod clades are governed by equilibrium dynamics. PLOS Biology.
- Cerezer et al. (2022). Exceptions to the rule: Relative roles of time, diversification rates and regional energy in shaping the inverse latitudinal diversity gradient. Global Ecology and Biogeography.
- Cerezer et al. (2021). Effect of productivity on community size explains the latitudinal diversity gradient of South American small mammals. The American Naturalist.
Evolution and Function of Animal Coloration
From camouflage to communication, coloration plays many roles in the lives of animals. This research investigates how colour patterns evolve across mammals and what ecological and evolutionary forces shape their diversity. By studying the origins and functions of animal coloration, I aim to understand how traits evolve in response to changing environments and lifestyles.
Key publications
- Cerezer et al. (2024). Rodents show darker and redder coloration in warm and rainy environments. Global Ecology and Biogeography.
- Cerezer et al. (2025). Ecological and evolutionary predictors of dorsal colouration in Lagomorphs. Journal of Biogeography.
- Cerezer et al. (2020). The dark side of coloration: Ecogeographical evidence supports Gloger's rule in American marsupials. Evolution.