Robert D. Bradley

Director and Curator of Mammals, Natural Science Research Laboratory, Museum of TTU

Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University

Ph.D., Texas Tech University, 1991
M.S., Texas A&M University, 1986
B.S., Texas A&M University, 1983

 

Dr. Bradley's CV |  Dr. Bradley's Laboratory  | Biology Faculty Page

Research Interests

My primary research interests include systematics, molecular evolution, and phylogenetics in mammals, with a particular interest with the geomyid and cricetid rodents that are distributed in the southwestern United States and Central America.  My research program uses multiple datasets (morphology, chromosomes, DNA sequences, next generation sequencing methods, etc.) to examine speciation, adaptations, levels of genetic divergence among species, phylogeographic patterns, reproductive isolation, and other events that can be used to explain mechanisms that determine the natural history and distribution of organisms as well as the processes that lead to the generation of biodiversity.  More recently, we have entered into the field of mammalian genomics, particularly with using transcriptomics and whole genome sequencing to identify potential speciation genes and genes affiliated with adaptations and determine evolutionary relationships among mammalian species.  Other research interests include: 1) the examination of hybrid zones between genetically distinct taxa; including pre- and post-mating isolating mechanisms and the dynamics of genetic introgression, especially in determining the origin of hybrizymes generated from hybridization events; 2) chromosomal evolution and how changes in chromosome structure relate to models and mechanisms of speciation; 3) examination of the origin and evolution of rodent-borne viruses, especially in the use of rodent phylogenies and genetic structure to predict the transmission and evolution of the virus; 4) growth and utilization of natural history collections, especially those pertaining to mammals; 5) use of natural history specimens and their associated data to predict distribution changes relative to environmental and climatic changes; 6) development of bioinformatics and how this field can better be interphased with natural history collections; and 7) Genetic Species Concept and how it can be applied to speciation in mammals.

Selected Publications

Wright, E. A., G. G. Brugette, K. F. Buckert, F. Hernández, J. H. Reed, S. R. Wyckoff, J. C. Taylor, K. R. Manlove, C. D. Phillips, and R. D. Bradley. In Press.  Multi-locus sequence typing indicates multiple strains of Mycoplasma in Texas bighorn sheep and aoudad.  Journal of Wildlife Management.

Wright, E. A., R. D. Bradley, and J. D. Manthey.  In Press.  Translocations, rising populations, and phylogeographic consequences: Genomic implications for conservation of introduced aoudad (Ammotragus lervia) in the southwestern US.  Journal of Mammalogy.

Roberts, E. K., E. A. Wright, D. M. Hardy, and R. D. Bradley.  2023.  Gamete recognition gene divergence yields a robust Eutherian phylogeny across taxonomic levels.  Diversity 15:1–30. 

Schmidly, D. J., Bradley, R. D., L. C. Bradley, and F. D. Yancey II (editors). 2023. Taxonomic catalogs for the recent terrestrial vertebrates (species and subspecies) described from Texas.  Special Publications, Museum of Texas Tech University 77:iii+1–385.

Amarilla-Stevens, H. N., R. D. Stevens, C. D. Phillips, and R. D. Bradley.  2023.  Temporal Rate of Post-mortem DNA Degradation in Archived Tissue Samples: Evidence from Liver and Muscle.  Journal of Mammalogy 104:194–202.

Bradley, R. D., C. W. Edwards, L. L. Lindsey, J. R. Bateman, M. N. B. Cajimat, M. Lou Milazzo, C. F. Fulhorst, M. Matocq, and M. R. Mauldin.  2022.  Reevaluation of the phylogenetic relationships among Neotomine rodents (Hodomys, Neotoma, and Xenomys) and comments on the woodrat classification.  Journal of Mammalogy 103:1221–1236.

Roberts, E. K., Steve Tardif, E. A. Wright, R. N. Platt, II, C. D. Phillips, R. D. Bradley, and D. M. Hardy.  2022.  Rapid divergence of a gamete recognition gene promoted macroevolution of Eutheria.  Genome Biology 23:155 1–35.

Schmidly, D. J., R. D. Bradley, and L. C. Bradley.  2022.  Texas Natural History in the Twenty-first Century. Texas Tech University Press, Lubbock. vii–712.

Wright, E. A., E. K. Roberts, R. N. Platt, II, J. V. Bayouth, W. C. Conway, and R. D. Bradley.  2022.  Mitochondrial capture and subsequent genetic divergence generates a novel haplotype: evidence from ancient and ongoing hybridization in mule and white-tailed deer.  Journal of Mammalogy 103:723–736. 

Bradley, R. D., N. Ordóñez-Garza, C. W. Thompson, E. A. Wright, G. Ceballos, C. W. Kilpatrick, and D. J. Schmidly.  2022.  Two new species of the Peromyscus boylii group (Cricetidae: Neotominae) from the Transversen Volcanic Belt of Mexico.  Journal of Mammalogy 103:255–274.

Wright, E. A., R. C. Wiedmeier, E. K. Roberts, D. R. Pipkin, II, F. Hernández, J. P. Bayouth, W. C. Conway, and R. D. Bradley.  2022.  Distinct mtDNA lineages in free-ranging Ammotragus (aoudad) from the US indicate multiple introductions from northern Africa.  Ecology and Evolution 12:1–21.

Bradley, R. D., and L. C. Bradley (guest editors). 2021. Issue dedicated to Dr. David J. Schmidly, Ph.D., in recognition of his contributions to mammalogy in Mexico.  Therya 12:163–388.

Soniat, T. J., H. Sihaloho, R. D. Stevens, T. D. Little, C. D. Phillips, and R. D. Bradley. 2021.  Temporal-dependent effects of DNA degradation on frozen tissues archived at -80°C.  Journal of Mammalogy 102:375–383.

Lindsey, L. L., R. N. Platt II, C. D. Phillips, D. A. Ray, and R. D. Bradley.  2020.  Differential expression in testis and liver transcriptomes from four species of Peromyscus (Rodentia: Cricetidae).  Genome Biology and Evolution 12:3698–3709.

Bradley, R. D., J. Q. Francis, R. N. Platt II, L. L. Lindsey, D. A. Alvarez, and T. J. Soniat.  2019.  Mitochondrial DNA sequence data indicate evidence for multiple species within Peromyscus maniculatus.  Special Publications, Museum of Texas Tech University 70:1–59.

Linzey, A. V., B. H. Blake, R. D. Bradley, R. A. Van Den Bussche, and M. R. Willig (Special Issue Editors).  2019.  Centennial Special Issue.  Journal of Mammalogy, Centennial Issue 100:625–1104.

Bradley, R. D., and R. C. Dowler.  2019.  A century of mammal research: changes in research paradigms and emphases.  Journal of Mammalogy, Centennial Issue 100:719–732.

Bradley, R. D., H. H. Genoways, D. J. Schmidly, and L. C. Bradley (editors).  2019.  From Field to Laboratory: A Memorial Volume in Honor of Dr. Robert J. Baker.  Special Publications, Museum of Texas Tech University 71:xi+1–911.

Pardiñas, U., P. Myers, L. León-Paniagua, N. Ordóñez Garza, J. A. Cook, B. Kryštufek, R. Haslauer, R. D. Bradley, G. Shenbrot, and J. L. Patton.  2017.  Cricetidae (true hamsters, voles, lemmings, and New World rats and mice).  Pp. 355–396 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World volume 7.  Rodents II.  Edited by Wilson, D. E., T. E. Lacher, Jr., and R. A. Mittermeier.  Lynx Editions in association with Conservation international and ICUN.

Schmidly, D. J., and R. D. Bradley. 2016. The Mammals of Texas. 7th Edition. University of Texas Press, Austin. 694pp.

Milazzo, M. Lou, M. N. Cajimat, M. R. Mauldin, S. G. Bennett, B. D. Hess, M. P. Rood, C. A. Conlan, Kiet Nguyen, J. W. Wekesa, R. D. Ramos, R. D. Bradley, and C. F. Fulhorst. 2015. Epizootilogy of Tacaribe serocomplex viruses (Arenaviridae) associated with neotomine rodents (Cricetidae, Neotominae) in southern California. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases 15:156–166.

Bradley, R. D., D. J. Schmidly, B. R. Amman, R. N. Platt II, K. M. Neumann, H. M. Huynh, R. Muñiz-Martínez, C. López-González, and N. Ordóñez-Garza. 2015. Molecular and morphometric data reveal multiple species in Peromyscus pectoralis. Journal of Mammalogy 96:446–459.

Platt II, R. N., C. W. Thompson, B. R. Amman, M. S. Corley, and R. D. Bradley. 2015. What is Peromyscus? Evidence from nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences for a new classification. Journal of Mammalogy 96:708–719.

Ceballos, G., R. D. Bradley, and L. León Paniagua. 2014. Cricetidae. Pps. 271–440 in Mammals of Mexico (G. Ceballos, ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland. xi + 1–957.

Bradley, R. D., H. Garner, L. C. Bradley, and R. J. Baker.  2014.  Assessing the value of Natural History Collections and addressing the issues regarding long-term care and growth. BioScience 64:1150–1158.

Baker, R. J., L. C. Bradley, H. J. Garner, and R. D. Bradley.  2014.  “Door to drawer” costs of curation, installation, documentation, databasing, and long-term caring for mammal voucher specimens in natural history collections.  Occasional Papers, Museum of Texas Tech University 323:i–15.

Bradley, R. D., L. C. Bradley, H. J. Garner, and R. J. Baker.  2012.  Cost of Collecting and Preparing Voucher Specimens for Natural History Collections.  Occasional Papers, Museum of Texas Tech University 313:1–14.

Bradley, R. D., N. D. Durish, D. S. Rogers, J. R. Miller, M. D. Engstrom, and C. W. Kilpatrick.  2007.  Toward a molecular phylogeny for Peromyscus: evidence from mitochondrial cytochrome-b sequences.  Journal of Mammalogy, 88:1146–1159.

Baker, R. J., and R. D. Bradley.  2006.  Speciation in mammals and the genetic species concept.  Journal of Mammalogy 87:643–662.

Bradley, R. D., and R. J. Baker.  2001.  A test of the genetic species concept: cytochrome-b sequences and mammals.  Journal of Mammalogy 82:960–973.

Baker, R. J., S. K. Davis, R. D. Bradley, M. J. Hamilton, and R. A. Van Den Bussche. 1989. Ribosomal-DNA, mitochondrial-DNA, chromosomal, and allozymic studies on a contact zone in the pocket gopher, Geomys. Evolution 43:63–75.

Bradley, R. D., S. K. Davis, and R. J. Baker. 1991. Genetic control of premating-isolating behavior; Kaneshiro's hypothesis and asymmetrical sexual selection in pocket gophers. Journal of Heredity 82:192–196.

Bradley, R. D. and D. M. Hillis. 1997. Recombinant DNA sequences generated by PCR amplification. Molecular Biology and Evolution 14:592–593.