Title: Disentangling the Roles of Form and Motion in Fish Swimming Performance
Abstract: A central theme of comparative biomechanics is linking patterns of variation in morphology with variation in locomotor performance. This presents a unique challenge in fishes, given their extraordinary morphological diversity and their complex fluid-structure interactions. This challenge is compounded by the fact that fishes with varying anatomy also use different kinematics, making it difficult to disentangle the effects of morphology and kinematics on performance. My Read more about Kara Feilich Thesis Defense
Title: Comparative and population genomics of host-pathogen co-evolution in birds
Abstract: Infectious disease produces some of the strongest selective forces on natural populations across the tree of life. The signatures of pathogen-mediated evolution on host genomes have been described for several model organisms, but few studies of non-model organisms have detected such signatures beyond candidate loci such as MHC genes or toll-like receptors. In my dissertation I use population genomics and comparative genomics to study the dynamics of pathogen-mediated selection Read more about Allison Shultz Thesis Defense
Harvard University Herbaria Seminar Room 125, 22 Divinity Avenue
Title: Causes and consequences of coexistence in the Vachellia drepanolobium ant-plant mutualism
Abstract: This thesis focuses on a mutualism between the East African acacia tree Vachellia drepanolobium and the species of canopy-dwelling ants that inhabit it. The tree provides the ants with nesting space in the canopy and extra-floral nectar, and in return the ants defend the tree from herbivores. Several different ant species compete vigorously with each other for this canopy nesting space. Despite this, coexistence is maintained among those species Read more about Jack Boyle Thesis Defense
12th Annual PBI Symposium
Lisa Ainsworth
Lee Dugatkin