One of the most amazing things about animals is how they communicate. Nearly every animal species has its own “language"--a suite of signals and responses unique to that species. A fundamental consequence is that different species (usually) aren't attracted to each other--they don't respond to each others' signals. In that way, 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 systems. 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?
Tamra C. Mendelson - UMBC Biological Sciences - 1000 Hilltop Circle - Baltimore, MD 21250
[email protected] - 410-455-2267
Research in the DART lab focuses on the causes and consequences of evolutionary changes in animal communication systems. 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?
Tamra C. Mendelson - UMBC Biological Sciences - 1000 Hilltop Circle - Baltimore, MD 21250
[email protected] - 410-455-2267