Research in ecology and behaviour is dominated by studies on birds and mammals, and scientists who work on less ‘popular’ organisms (such as amphibian…

Synopsis. Sexual selection is often invoked to explain the evolution of extravagant morphologies, such as antlers and horns. While the focus is typically o

In the cold, temperate forests, long before spring fully arrives, blue-spotted salamanders (Ambystoma laterale) are already on the move. These small amphibians begin migrating to their breeding ponds while snow still blankets the ground and ice lingers on and in the soil. This is a risky strategy for a species that can’t survive freezing. Our recent Natural History note…

We’re excited to share the publication of a new paper in Ecography, led by PhD candidate Sara Ryding (Deakin University, collaboration with Matt Symonds Lab), which explores how climate change may be reshaping the morphology of migratory shorebirds. Using an incredibly extensive dataset of nearly 19,000 juvenile birds across 11 species sampled over 43 years, Sara investigated whether warming temperatures are causing changes in relative wing length, a trait thought to play a role in thermoregulation.

Congratulations Dr. Danilo Giacometti! The Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences at Brock has awarded you the FMS Best PhD Thesis Award. A supervisor could not be prouder!

Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) have become one of the most popular pet reptiles and in many cases are contributing to research as well. But as their popularity has soared, so too has the need to better understand what these lizards actually need to live well in captivity. Our latest study, recently published in PLOS ONE, examines whether giving bearded dragons more “naturalistic” resources within their enclosures actually improves their well-being.

I am really proud to congratulate Dr. Danilo Giacometti for his successful PhD Defence! The thesis entitled "Physiological and behavioural responses to temperature and humidity in fossorial amphibians" was defended today in front of his examining committee: Dr. Don Miles (External, Ohio University), Dr. Toby Mündel (External within Brock University), Dr. Diane Mack (Chair, Brock University), Dr. Miriam Richards, Dr. Kiyoko Gotanda, and myself.

As the Arctic warms at an alarming pace, we’re learning that even cold-adapted species like the thick-billed murre aren’t immune to rising temperatures. Our latest study, led by Fred Tremblay from Dr. Kyle Elliot’s lab at McGill adds to the growing understanding that cliff-nesting seabirds are experiencing heat stress far despite ambient air temperatures rarely exceeding 25°C. Using custom 3D-printed murre models painted to mimic the birds’ plumage, we measured “operative temperatures” (the actual heat experienced by an animal) on Coats Island, Nunavut.