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Associate Professor of Zoology
Associate Professor of Botany and MicrobiologyPhone: (405)325-1792
Fax: (405)325-6202
Current Research Interests and Subject Areas Available for Graduate Research
The main area of my research focuses on the evolution of plant life history strategies, particularly those related to reproduction. In most flowering plants, all flowers and fruits are structurally and functionally identical. However, in some species, distinct flower and fruit types have evolved. Currently, my research investigates the dynamics of heterocarpy, a reproductive system in which different flowers on the same plant produce two or more types of fruits that have dramatically different dispersal and germination features. Some fruits are locally dispersed and have strong dormancy and other fruits are distantly dispersed and have no dormancy. I am continuing to study the fundamental ecology of this system in the gumweeds (Grindelia Asteraceae). Future studies will investigate the developmental mechanisms underlying heterocarpy to better understand how this reproductive system evolves. Furthermore, an unexplored aspect of this reproductive system is how animals shape the reproductive behavior of heterocarpic plants, particularly through herbivory. My research interests also include studies of population genetics and mating system analysis, particular for endemic and rare species.
In addition to my research, I am also interested in science education and outreach. I have recently co-authored two high school level reference books on plant ecology and diversity, and plan to pursue other projects in this area.
M.S. Botany, University of Georgia
B.S. in Botany, Oklahoma State University
Selected publications:
Gibson, J.P. and T.R. Gibson. In Press . Plant Diversity. Chelsea House Publishers. New York, NY.
Gibson, J.P. and T.R. Gibson. 2006 . Plant Ecology. Chelsea House Publishers. New York, NY.
Gibson, J.P. and A.D. Tomlinson. 2002. Genetic diversity and mating system comparisons between ray and disc achene seed pools of the heterocarpic species Heterotheca subaxillaris (Asteraceae). International Journal of Plant Sciences. 163: 1025-1034.
Gibson, J.P. 2001. Ecological and genetic comparison between ray and disc achene pools of the heteromorphic species Prionopsis ciliata (Asteraceae). International Journal of Plant Sciences. 162:137-145
Gibson, J.P. 1999. Seed dispersal and seedling recruitment in a Lauraceous tree species. In: Wheelwright, N.T. and N. Nadkarni (eds.), The natural history of Monteverde, Costa Rica: A background to conservation. pp. 289-291.
Gibson, J.P. and P.K. Diggle. 1998. The role of flower development and male sterility on gender system evolution in Ocotea tenera Mez & J.D. Smith ex Mez (Lauraceae) a gynodioecious tropical tree. International Journal of Plant Sciences 159:405-407.
Gibson, J.P. and P.K. Diggle 1997. Structural analysis of female and hermaphroditic flowers of a gynodioecious tree, Ocotea tenera (Lauraceae). American Journal of Botany 84:298-307.
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