Many studies of stress ecology rely on determining an organism’s levels of relevant hormones, such as cortisol and corticosterone (CORT). While these hormones have many functions, organisms often increase levels of these hormones to allow them to respond effectively to stressful conditions. But this hormonal response poses its own challenge for scientists! Capturing an animal, restraining … Continue reading Quick on the (Blood) Draw: Measuring Reptile Hormone Levels
Artificial light at night (or ALAN) is a relatively new phenomenon on the Earth. It’s only been around for the past 120 years or so, since humans developed widespread electric lights. While light at night can cause many problems for natural organisms (higher risk of predation, disruption of sleep, etc.), some organisms can take advantage … Continue reading Antiguan Anoles Use Light at Night
Assessing the impacts of invasive species can be difficult. One major reason for this is that, in the case of many biological invasions, we lack appropriate sampling or data from before the invasion. In most cases, we don't know an invasive species is going to arrive, or what aspects of ecology it might impact in the … Continue reading New Paper out in Global Change Biology!
Just a quick trip to Miami to wrap up a couple of pieces of research and help lead a training at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for teachers participating in Lizards on the Loose! this school year. One project I'm looking to finish is a resurvey of the distribution of the Crested Anole (A. cristatellus) in … Continue reading Back in Miami
Christopher J. Thawley 