CURRENT RESEARCH
Long-term implications and transgenerational effects of early simulated infection
My primary research focus currently is on the long-term implications of early simulated infection in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). By using a synthetic virus, I can invoke an immune response in nestlings without causing illness. I am interested in examining the effects of early viral challenge on adult behavioral phenotype, developmental trajectories, adult immunity, and maternal antibody transmission.
Stridulation patterns of Odontotaenius disjunctus
As an outreach project, I am currently working with high school students with visual and auditory impairments studying stridulation patterns of the horned passalus beetle (Odontotaenius disjunctus). These beetles live in family units where siblings take care of immature young and the adult parents defend the territory. Both adults and larvae stridulate, which refers to the creation of sound by friction. As the beetles have distinct sounds and appearances, they make the perfect subject for students with difficulties of sight and hearing.
PAST RESEARCH
Impact of cacao forests on Belizean bird communities
In March 2018, I travelled to the Bladen Nature Reserve in Belize to examine the effects of human-made cacao forests on the distribution of native bird species. This project involved analyzing species
distribution in various habitat types throughout the country and comparing those preferences to the spatial arrangement of bird communities in habitats dominated by cacao forests. The forests examined were unique in that little natural clearing was necessary for the plantation to flourish due to the novel implementation of shade-tolerant cacao. This study determined that the cacao forest did not affect abundance or habitat preference of resident bird communities.
© Nathaniel Watkins
© Lyle J. Buss
Abiotic factors on supplemental feeding in winter flocks
From February to April 2018 I conducted a study evaluating the influence of abiotic factors (like temperature, precipitation, and wind) on supplemental feeding behavior of high elevation winter resident birds. The study took account of species abundance, number of feeder visits, and relative frequency of winter flocks at an established supplemental feeder location. This research determined that the high elevation birds in this study were more temperature tolerant than anticipated and did not increase supplemental feeding behavior in response to low ambient temperatures. Wind speed did have a significant impact on the number of species present at the feeder, indicating that wind chill may increase the tolerance threshold for certain species.
© Mark Humphrey
