Evolution of Sensory and Physiological Systems
Sensory systems evolve, allowing organisms to detect the environmental cues necessary for their survival. Different species live in different habitats and eat different foods, and chemosensory receptors (such as taste, pheromone, and olfactory receptors) often vary in number or function across species. This variation can reflect species-specific ecologies and is also shaped by different evolutionary histories.
In our group, we investigate the evolution of taste sensing and digestive physiology across the vertebrate phylogeny. We use an integrative approach, combining molecular and cell-culture techniques with behavioral studies and comparative genomics to examine the mechanisms by which animals detect and digest dietary carbohydrates. These approaches aim to uncover the effects of sensory and dietary shifts on organismal ecology and physiology.
High-speed video of a ruby-throated hummingbird
Ongoing projects