Evolutionary and Ecological Physiology of lizards
The lab has consistenly worked on various aspect of lizard physiology, including studies of growth and development (Oufiero and Angilleta 2006, 2010, Oufiero et al. 2007), to studies of morphological evolution (Oufiero et al. 2011) and more recently examining rate of cutaneous water loss (Oufiero and Van Sant 2018). Currently we are collaborating with Dr. Chris Salice to determine the effects of forever chemicals on cutaneous evaporative water loss, but are not pursing our own projects.
The evolution of locomotor diversity among fish
Fish are remarkable in the amount of diversity in the number of species, body shapes and the way they generate thrust. We have used an integrative and comparative approach to understand the factors that influence swimming performance diversity among fish based on the figure to the left (Oufiero and Whitlow 2016). This has included investigations into the effects of sexually selected exaggerated morphologies (Oufiero et al. 2012, 2014), community composition (Oufiero et al. 2011) and more recently locomotor gaits (Oufiero et al. 2021, Whitlow et al. 2019). We are not currently pursuing projects related to fish biology.
Navigation of a nocturnal gliding mammal
Gliding is a performance trait that has evolved multiple times independently among animals, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates and insects. Among mammals, gliding has evolved independently in placentals and marsupials, and is associated with nocturnal lifestyle. The biomechanics of this convergence of performance has been examined, but not under ecologically relevant conditions. In collaboration with Harald Beck, and a team of undergraduate researchers, we have beginning to explore how these nocturnal, gliding mammals navigate and perform under varying light conditions. Currently we are working on results assess whether gliders exhibit trichromacy (see 3 distinct colors) and the range of wavelengths they can detect.
