Megan Gibbons Research Interests
Parent-offspring Interactions in Red-backed Salamanders
My principle research interests are in vertebrate
ecology and behavior, namely
the ecological influences on and the evolution and heritability of
behaviors in amphibians. My previous research has involved the use
of laboratory and field research (experimentation and observation) to
examine behavior of the territorial, and entirely terrestrial red-backed
salamander, Plethodon cinereus. I have conducted studies on
several aspects of their behavior, including social interactions, kin
recognition between mothers and offspring, and heritability of foraging
behavior. Select the buttons to the left to find out more about my
research with Plethodon cinereus.
Anti-predator Studies with Pond-breeding Amphibians
Much of my research involves
investigating the evolution of behavior in pond-breeding
amphibians,
especially
how predator presence shapes the development of anti-predator
behavior.
Undergraduates
in my laboratory have worked on several projects
that have compared the behaviors of amphibians from ponds with and
without fish predators. Students and I have also investigated the evolutionary
advantages of clear versus opaque egg masses deposited by adult spotted
salamander, and egg brooding behavior in the marbled salamander. Select the buttons to the
left to find out more about my research with pond breeding salamanders
and frogs.
The Influences of Heritability and Plasticity on Developmental and Behavioral Traits in Amphibians
Some of my most recent research has focused on how
heritable factors interact with environmental factors to create unique
fitness consequences. Recent research by
a
BSC undergraduate investigated how heritable factors and diet affected
developmental traits in the green treefrog, Hyla cinerea. I have
recently started to conduct research in Costa Rica on the red-eyed
treefrog (Agalychnis callidryas). This species lays its eggs on
leaves that overhang ponds, which leaves them vulnerable to predation by
arboreal and aerial predators. Typically, eggs hatch spontaneously
after 6-7 days, and larvae drop into the pond below.
Interestingly, eggs may hatch up to 48 hours earlier if attacked by
snakes, wasps, or fungus; this early hatching allows embryos to escape
predation, but places them at a higher risk of predation as tadpoles,
due to their smaller size and less-developed locomotion. My
research focuses on how heritable factors and hatch time interact to
influence the fitness of tadpoles and metamorphs of A. callidryas.
Student opportunities to conduct research in Costa Rica or locally are
possible. Select the buttons on the left to see more information and
some of the results from this research.
Monitoring Projects
Some of my research with undergraduates has also dealt with monitoring populations of salamanders that are in habitats at risk of degradation, particularly by nearby development. These projects have taken place at the Homewood Nature Area, a small area of land with an amazing variety of plants and animals, especially amphibians. This site is under constant pressure for development, and these projects are meant to document and preserve the diversity of the area. Select the buttons to the left to find out more about the monitoring projects in Homewood, Alabama.
