Saint Louis University

Department of Biology

Welcome to the Knouft Lab

Our research interests are focused on the investigation of the factors regulating the distribution of species in North American and Caribbean taxonomic groups across multiple spatial scales, particularly freshwater fishes, reptiles, and amphibians. 

 

North American Freshwater Fishes

Our research on North American fishes applies GIS techniques to questions regarding the influence of habitat variability and biotic interactions on population characteristics in local fish assemblages.  At broader scales, we are interested in integrating GIS-based climate and landcover data with hydrologic models to better understand factors regulating species distributions within drainages.

 

Caribbean Anolis Lizards

Our research on Anolis lizards is primarily focused on examining historical and contemporary factors influencing broad scale patterns of biodiversity across the Greater and Lesser Antilles.  We have a large morphological dataset that we are integrating with GIS-based climate data to address a variety of questions both within and among species.

 

Missouri Amphibians

Our amphibian research in Missouri is in collaboration with Dr. Jon Chase and his lab at Washington University in St. Louis.  The goal is to develop a GIS database of statewide habitat variables and species presence records to examine local and regional factors influencing species distributions.