Research Description
Area 1: Evolution of myelin
In a collaboration with Petra Lenz (PBRC), Ann Castelfranco (PBRC) and Caroline Wilson (University of Alaska, Anchorage) we are making an integrated study of myelin evolution with a focus on invertebrates. Research on this innovation involves integration of many biological levels, linking studies of:
- genomic evolution of myelin-related molecules
- ultrastructural details of origins in developing myelin
- evolution of changes in nerve impulse conduction
physiology
- computational models of intermediate stages in myelin
evolution
- impacts on whole organism behavior, including success
in evasion of predatory attacks
- ecology of myelinate vs amyelinate copepods under
different environmental regimes
- biogeography of myelination -- differential
distribution of myelinate vs amyelinate species around the
world
Viewed in the broad context of innovation, myelin may provide a useful tool for studies in evolutionary biology.
Area 2: Neuroecology of zooplankton sensory and motor systems
(in collaboration with Dr. Petra Lenz and others)
In this work, we are examining the relation between physiological and morphological properties of the sensory and motor systems of crustaceans, comparing pelagic and planktonic forms with benthic groups. We are interested in the evolution and ecology of these systems. Both systems reflect unusual adaptations to pelagic life when compared to similar systems in benthic and nektonic forms. Particular modifications of these sensory properties may reflect differences in ecology among phyletic groups.
Of particular recent interest have been mechanisms involved in predator-evasion behavior in calanoid copepods including:
- Detection thresholds for small hydrodynamic
disturbances, both behavioral and physiological
- Physiological characterization of giant antennal
mechanoreceptors
- Escape reactions of free-swimming copepods to hydrodynamic and photic stimuli (collaborations with Dr. Edward Buskey, of the University of Texas at Austin and Dr. Rudi Strickler of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee)