Black is King: variation in behavior as a result of eumelanin-based coloration
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Eve Humphrey, PhD will be joining us virtually to discuss her research on how the presence and expression of black coloration on vertebrates influences their behavior and physiology. Please join us for this event on the big screen and snacks.
Animals display a variety of colors that differ within and between species. Individuals with eumelanic or black coloration occur in a wide variety of species and the expression of black coloration within populations, and on individuals, have been associated with variation in behavior and physiological responses in many vertebrates. I am interested in how the presence and expression of black coloration on vertebrates influences their behavior and physiology. Specifically, I seek to understand how black coloration on a small freshwater fish called Gambusia holbrooki (eastern mosquitofish) influences differences in mating and stress behaviors, as well as if changes in their stress (cortisol) levels vary with coloration.