Research

The common theme that unites the lab is an interest in vertebrate social behavior. Within this general framework, research conducted by lab members covers a wide variety of taxa and topics. Field studies of behavior represent a critical component of all projects. Current research by lab members involves field work in Argentina, Brazil, Panama, and coastal central Califonia. Most labmembers also make use of the facilities available in the MVZ's Laboratory for Evolutionary Genetics to conduct molecular analyses of parentage, kinship,or population structure.

Current research projects:

• Behavioral ecology and population genetics of tuco-tucos - Eileen A. Lacey
• Vocal communication and social behavior of California towhees - Lauryn Benedict
• The evolution of mating systems in the context of sexually transmitted disease in the genus Peromyscus - Matthew MacManes
• Polyadry and parental investment in group living tamarins - Samuel Diaz Munoz
• Selective factors contributing to the evolution of sociality in the spiny rat - Jose Wellington A. dos Santos
• Measuring social stress in a communally breeding rodent - Julie Woodruff

Past Research Projects

• Reproductive competition and cooperation among male lance-tailed manakins - Emily H. DuVal
• Male reproductive behavior and the mating system of the wild turkey - Alan H. Krakauer
• Evolution of recognition systems, behavioral ecology of brood parasites - Mark. E Hauber
• Spatial dynamics and group living in California voles - Maria M. Soares
• Social and metapopulation dynamics of gundis (Rodentia: Ctenodactylidae) - Karen J. Nutt

Map of research project locations