Alexander Skeels

Dr. Alexander Skeels is a researcher in the Division of Ecology and Evolution at the Australian National University (ANU), focusing on evolutionary biology, biodiversity, and biogeography. His work explores how environmental factors shape species diversification, distribution, and adaptation. He leads research projects investigating the drivers of biodiversity patterns in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including speciation mechanisms, climate interactions, and ecological niche dynamics.

His research integrates phylogenetic, spatial, and environmental data to address questions about the origins of biodiversity and conservation priorities. Key areas include the role of climate in species richness, coevolutionary dynamics in brood-parasitic cuckoos, and the impact of historical environmental changes on lineage diversification. Skeels collaborates globally, contributing to studies on Australian blindsnakes, tropical fish, and lizard radiations.

Notable contributions include demonstrating how niche conservatism influences plant speciation in Mediterranean hotspots and revealing the 'Goldilocks zone' effect in lizard diversity. His work bridges evolutionary theory with applied conservation, emphasizing the need for understanding non-equilibrium processes in biodiversity management.

Current projects, such as 'How environmental change drives the origin and decline of biodiversity,' aim to elucidate how environmental fluctuations shape species' evolutionary trajectories and extinction risks. His publications span peer-reviewed journals like Science, Evolution, and Journal of Biogeography, reflecting interdisciplinary approaches to ecological and evolutionary challenges.