Educational Background

Visiting Scholar, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, USA (Collaborative supervisor: John J. Wiens) (2016-2017)

Visiting Scholar, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia (Collaborative supervisor: Richard Shine) (Sponsored by Jiangsu Overseas Research & Training Program for University Prominent Young & Middle-aged Teachers and Presidents Plan) (2014-2015)

Master-Doctor Combined Program in Zoology, Nanjing Normal University, P. R. China (Advisor: Xiang Ji) (2004-2009)

Joint Ph.D. Program in Zoology (Sponsored by CSC), Universidad de Oviedo, Spain (Advisor: Florentino Braña) (2008-2009)

 

Research Projects

2025-2028    Effects of soil microplastics stress on embryo development, offspring’s physiology and behavior in oviparous skink. (#32470489, Natural Science Foundation of China)

2022-2025    The Physiological and molecular mechanisms of eggshell degeneration in viviparous lizard. (#32171495, Natural Science Foundation of China)

2017-2020      Calcium provision to embryos in skinks with different reproductive modes and its molecular mechanism (#31670422, Natural Science Foundation of China)

2016-2018      The genetic base of phenotypic variation in Plestiodon chinensis: inferences from Pst-Fst correlation analysis (#16KJB180011, Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China)

2012-2015      Phenotypic variation across Chinese skink (Plestiodon chinensis) populations: identification of phenotypes selected. (#31400341, Natural Science Foundation of China) 

2012-2015      The genetic base of phenotypic variation in Eremias argus: inferences from Qst-Fst correlation analysis (#BK2012849, Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province)

2012-2014      The pattern and general rules of phenotypic variation in Eremias argus. (#11KJB180004, Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China)

2011-2013      Environmental correlates and adaptation implications of morphological variation in lizard Eremias velox in China. (#20103207120009, Chinese Ministry of Education)

2007-2009      The evolution of reptilian viviparity and its adaptive significance: using lizards as the model systems. Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Training Program of Nanjing Normal University

 

Journal Articles (†Corresponding author)

1.    Gan, L., Sun, J.-H., Li, H*. 2025. Effects of hormones and digestive tract morphology on personality-driven foraging behaviour in the turtle Mauremys reevesii. Animal Behaviour, in press.

2.    Gao, S., Zhang, S.-F., Sun, J.-H., He, X.-N., Xue, S.-S., Zhang, W.-Y., Li, P., Lin, L.-H., Qu, Y.-F., Ward-Fear, G., Chen, L., Li, H*. 2024. Nanoplastic pollution changes the intestinal microbiome but not the morphology or behavior of a freshwater turtle. Science of the Total Environment, 934: 173178.

3.    Zhang, S.-F., Lin, Y.-F., Cheng, Y.-Z., Yang, H.-Y., Zhu, X.-M., Du, Y., Lin, L.-H., Qu, Y.-F., Chen, L*., Li, H*. 2023. Next-generation sequencing of MHC class I genes reveals trans-species polymorphism in Eutropis multifasciata and other species of Scincidae. Asian Herpetological Research, 14(4): 261–270.

4.    Li, S.-X., Qian, Z.-J., Gao, S., Shen, W.-J., Li, X.-X., Li, H*., and Chen, L*. 2022. Effect of long-term temperature stress on the intestinal microbiome of an invasive snail. Frontiers in Microbiology 13:961502.

5.    Li, S.-X., Qian, Z.-J., Yang, J.-N., Lin, Y.-F., Li, H*., and Chen, L*. 2022. Seasonal variation in structure and function of gut microbiota in Pomacea canaliculate. Ecology and Evolution 12, e9162.

6.    Chen, L., Li, S.-X., Xiao, Q., Lin, Y., Li, X.-X., Qu, Y.-F., Wu, G.-G*., and Li, H*. 2021. Composition and diversity of gut microbiota in Pomacea canaliculata in sexes and between developmental stages. BMC Microbiology 21:200.

7.    Chen, L., Lin, Y.-F., Xiao, Q., Lin, T., Du, Y., Lin, C.-X., Ward-Fear, G., Hu, C.-C., Qu, Y.-F., and Li, H*. 2021. Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the many-lined sun skink (Eutropis multifasciata) and comparison with other Scincomorpha species. Genomics 113(4):2526–2536.

8.    Li, H., and Wiens, J. J. 2019. Time explains regional richness patterns within clades more often than diversification rates or area. American Naturalist. 193:514–529.

9.    Chen, L., Liang, S.-Y., Nian, R., Li, H*., Li, P., Qu, Y.-F., Wu, T., Meng, Q.-G., and Ji, X. 2018. Molecular cloning and characterization of the cathepsin L gene in Pelodiscus sinensis and its expression in response to bacterial challenge. Aquaculture Research. 49:3071–3082.

10.    Li, H., Elphick M., and Shine, R. 2017. Potential targets for selection during the evolution of viviparity in cold-climate reptiles. Oecologia. 183: 21–30.

11.    Li, H., Holleley C.E., Elphick M., Georges A., and Shine, R. 2016. The behavioural consequences of sex reversal in dragons. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 283(1832): 20160217.

12.    Li, H., Zhou, Z.-S., Wu, Ting., Wu, Y.-Q., and Ji, X. 2013. Do fluctuations in incubation temperature affect hatchling quality in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis? Aquaculture. 406/407: 91–96.

13.    Li, H., Zhou, Z.-S., Ding, G.-H., and Ji, X. 2013. Fluctuations in incubation temperature affect incubation duration but not morphology, locomotion and growth of hatchlings in the sand lizard Lacerta agilis (Lacertidae). Acta Zoologica (Stockholm). 94: 11–18.

14.    Li, H., Wang, Z., Chen, C., and Ji, X. 2012. Does the variance of incubation temperatures always constitute a significant selective force for origin of reptilian viviparity? Current Zoology. 58: 812–819.

15.    Li, H., Qu, Y.-F., Ding, G.-H., and Ji, X. 2011. Life-history variation with respect to the experienced thermal environments in a lizard, Eremias multiocellata (Lacertidae). Zoological Science, 28: 332-338.

16.    Li, H., Mao, L.-X., Shi, L.-Q., and Ji, X. 2010. Many-lined sun skinks (Mabuya multifasciata) shift their thermal preferences downwards when fasted. Asian Herpetological Research, 1: 36–39. 

17.    Li, H., Qu, Y.-F., Hu, R.-B., and Ji, X. 2009. Evolution of viviparity in cold-climate lizards: testing the maternal manipulation hypothesis. Evolutionary Ecology, 23: 777–790. 

18.    Li, H., Wang, Z., Men, W.-B., and Ji, X. 2009. Temperature acclimation affects thermal tolerance and preference in three species of Eremias lizards (Lacertidae). Current Zoology, 55: 258–265.

 

Honors and Awards

1.    2016: Excellent Youth of Animal Physiological Ecology

2.    2011: Excellent Doctoral Dissertation in Jiangsu Province.

3.    2010: Excellent Doctoral Dissertation in Nanjing Normal University.

4.    2008: Joint PhD Student Training Program sponsored by Chinese Scholarship Council.

5.    2008: President Scholarship, Nanjing Normal University.

 

Academic Title

Professor in Ecology and Zoology

Council Member of China Zoological Society

Deputy Chairman of China Society of Animal Physiological Ecology

Council Member of Chinese Herpetological Society

Council Member of Jiangsu Society of Ecology

 

Contact 

Office Tel/Fax：+86-25-85891597

Email: hongli(@)njnu.edu.cn