The Ecology and Evolution of Intraspecific Trait Variation
Biological diversity is typically described at the species level, but it is increasingly apparent that populations within a species, and individuals within a population, often vary in traits that are potentially ecologically relevant. Furthermore, we know that traits change over time with evolution, frequently at rates that are fast enough to influence ecological dynamics. These factors can result in intraspecific trait variation across space, time, and among individual organisms. I'm interested in exploring 1) the ecological and evolutionary reasons for the immense amount of variation we observe in nature, 2) the significance of this diversity for species interactions and ecosystem properties, and 3) the implications of trait variation for conservation in a rapidly changing world.
Evolution of Behavior and Morphology
I'm interested in how selective pressures from ecological interactions shape phenotypic traits in organisms, especially behavior, morphology, and physiology. Evolutionary trajectories are not only shaped by selection, but also by chance and constraints, a factor which I try to incorporate into my research as well. I'm currently especially interested in the evolution of personality traits (consistent, individual differences in behavior) and sexual dimorphism, with a special emphasis on the role of predators in shaping these traits.
Community Ecology
Traits develop in the context of ecological communities, and it is through interactions with other members of the community that the consequences of different traits are realized. Consequently, I try to understand the relationships between species within communities, focusing in particular on predator-prey interactions. One aspect of this is how responses to predators impact communities, especially through changes in prey behavior. I'm also interested in how subtle changes in the environment - such as the presence of chemical contaminants - influences community structure and ecological processes, and the application of community ecological principles to managing environmental concerns.
Natural History and Conservation
I'm interested in better characterizing the basic ecology and biology of amphibians, reptiles, and scorpions. Though herpetofauna often constitutes a substantial proportion of the biomass and is largely imperiled by anthropogenic stressors, relatively little is known about them compared to some more charismatic vertebrates. One goal of my work is to enhance our understanding of the population status of amphibians and reptiles, their natural history, and the impacts they have on communities and ecosystems. I've also continued working with scorpions, another poorly understood group with remarkable natural histories that are underutilized as a model system. I'm especially interested in sexual dimorphism in scorpions, a mystery that necessitates better understanding of all aspects of their ecology.
Biological diversity is typically described at the species level, but it is increasingly apparent that populations within a species, and individuals within a population, often vary in traits that are potentially ecologically relevant. Furthermore, we know that traits change over time with evolution, frequently at rates that are fast enough to influence ecological dynamics. These factors can result in intraspecific trait variation across space, time, and among individual organisms. I'm interested in exploring 1) the ecological and evolutionary reasons for the immense amount of variation we observe in nature, 2) the significance of this diversity for species interactions and ecosystem properties, and 3) the implications of trait variation for conservation in a rapidly changing world.
Evolution of Behavior and Morphology
I'm interested in how selective pressures from ecological interactions shape phenotypic traits in organisms, especially behavior, morphology, and physiology. Evolutionary trajectories are not only shaped by selection, but also by chance and constraints, a factor which I try to incorporate into my research as well. I'm currently especially interested in the evolution of personality traits (consistent, individual differences in behavior) and sexual dimorphism, with a special emphasis on the role of predators in shaping these traits.
Community Ecology
Traits develop in the context of ecological communities, and it is through interactions with other members of the community that the consequences of different traits are realized. Consequently, I try to understand the relationships between species within communities, focusing in particular on predator-prey interactions. One aspect of this is how responses to predators impact communities, especially through changes in prey behavior. I'm also interested in how subtle changes in the environment - such as the presence of chemical contaminants - influences community structure and ecological processes, and the application of community ecological principles to managing environmental concerns.
Natural History and Conservation
I'm interested in better characterizing the basic ecology and biology of amphibians, reptiles, and scorpions. Though herpetofauna often constitutes a substantial proportion of the biomass and is largely imperiled by anthropogenic stressors, relatively little is known about them compared to some more charismatic vertebrates. One goal of my work is to enhance our understanding of the population status of amphibians and reptiles, their natural history, and the impacts they have on communities and ecosystems. I've also continued working with scorpions, another poorly understood group with remarkable natural histories that are underutilized as a model system. I'm especially interested in sexual dimorphism in scorpions, a mystery that necessitates better understanding of all aspects of their ecology.