One of the most amazing features of the animal kingdom is the diversity of ways in which we communicate. Nearly every animal species boasts its own “language"--a suite of signals and responses that are unique to that species. A fundamental result is that different species (usually) don't recognize each other as suitable mates and therefore don't interbreed. Differences in communication can form a strong barrier to reproduction between species.
Research in the DART lab focuses on the causes and consequences of evolutionary changes in animal communication. Using a colorful group of North American freshwater fish called darters, we ask the following questions: Why does mating communication evolve over time? How does the rate of "language" evolution compare with ecological divergence and other reproductive barriers? (Why) Are individuals attracted only to members of their own species? By addressing these questions, we're trying to understand why male color patterns have diversified so extensively in this group, what are the consequences of that divergence, and what general principles about the ecology and evolution of communication can we learn by studying these beautiful fish?
A new direction in the lab focuses on the science-policy-practice interface. Two of our lab members are part of a new master's degree program--ICARE--launched in Fall 2021. With several fully funded positions, ICARE is training students to collaborate with professional scientists, policy makers, and community members to design and execute research that improves the health of a socioecosystem. Our ecosystem of choice is Baltimore Harbor, and we're doing amazing work! Check us out at icare.umbc.edu
Tamra C. Mendelson - UMBC Biological Sciences - 1000 Hilltop Circle - Baltimore, MD 21250
[email protected] - 410-455-2267 - Twitter: @tamram
Research in the DART lab focuses on the causes and consequences of evolutionary changes in animal communication. Using a colorful group of North American freshwater fish called darters, we ask the following questions: Why does mating communication evolve over time? How does the rate of "language" evolution compare with ecological divergence and other reproductive barriers? (Why) Are individuals attracted only to members of their own species? By addressing these questions, we're trying to understand why male color patterns have diversified so extensively in this group, what are the consequences of that divergence, and what general principles about the ecology and evolution of communication can we learn by studying these beautiful fish?
A new direction in the lab focuses on the science-policy-practice interface. Two of our lab members are part of a new master's degree program--ICARE--launched in Fall 2021. With several fully funded positions, ICARE is training students to collaborate with professional scientists, policy makers, and community members to design and execute research that improves the health of a socioecosystem. Our ecosystem of choice is Baltimore Harbor, and we're doing amazing work! Check us out at icare.umbc.edu
Tamra C. Mendelson - UMBC Biological Sciences - 1000 Hilltop Circle - Baltimore, MD 21250
[email protected] - 410-455-2267 - Twitter: @tamram