Behavioral and Evolutionary Ecology
Research in Behavioral and Evolutionary Ecology has long been a strength of the Appalachian Laboratory. The focus of this AOS is the study of traits and behaviors that affect survivorship and reproduction of a variety of subjects, including fish, birds and mammals. Pivotal issues include sexual selection, communal care, mating systems, inbreeding, sexual dimorphism and infanticide. Most of the current projects focus on research with marked animals under natural conditions. Some of the research projects are off-campus (Utah and Colorado) while others are local.
Examples of recent and ongoing research in Behavioral and Evolutionary Ecology: