DoctorAlex Verry

As a researcher in evolutionary biology and ancient DNA, my work focuses on uncovering the past biodiversity of Aotearoa New Zealand. Much of my research involves integrating palaeogenetics, phylogeography, and conservation science to better understand how species have responded to climate change, geological events, and anthropogenic impacts. I use ancient DNA from archaeological and subfossil material to reconstruct population histories, evolutionary relationships, and past distributions of native species, particularly extinct and endangered birds.

 

My work contributes to improving conservation management by offering temporal perspectives on species resilience, extinction risk, and evolutionary trajectories—providing insights that modern ecological data alone cannot.