Submitted by Damian Elias on
Are you amazed by weird–but awesome– arachnids?
Do you like making and analyzing videos?
Do you want to know how and why we study animal locomotion?
Do you want to learn the basic of how to code video processing and analysis methods?
In the Elias Lab we study the animal behavior and ecology in evolutionary framework. We are currently interested in the responses and adaptations of animals to environmental challenges, particularly predation. Animals have developed strategies to compensate for such challenges to survive, perform adequately, and reproduce.
Arachnids are ideal organisms to study this because of their morphological and behavioral adaptations, and the possibility of performing extensive field and laboratory experiments. Daddy long-legs (order Opiliones) have features that are thought to be adaptations to deal with environmental pressures: (1) autotomy –the voluntary release of legs to escape predators–, (2) chemical defenses and communication, and (3) grouping behavior. However, the functions or the costs and benefits of these strategies are unknown. We are investigating research questions that integrate mechanisms, behavior, ecology, and physiology, including: can harvestmen compensate the loss of performance after autotomy throughout time? What are the life-history traits (autotomy, parasitism, body condition, or reproductive stage) that affect their compensation strategies after autotomy? Our preliminary observations indicate that autotomy is frequent in one species in the Bay Area (Nelima paessleri), therefore compensation strategies are expected to occur. This novel research set up will give the opportunity to self-motivated and curious students to participate and develop field and laboratory research projects, mostly dealing with biomechanics, sexual behavior, and sensory biology. Field work involves registering extensive natural history data, and then bringing daddy long-legs to campus. In the lab, experiments will use a high-speed video camera setup to investigate detailed behaviors, and analyze them using specialized software.
Students will actively participate in all the stages of the research. During the spring, students will mainly analyze video data in specialized software. Therefore, participants will get training in coding, data visualization, presentation and analysis. The project also includes field trips (in Berkeley) to study organisms in their natural environment, collecting specimens and bringing them to the lab. On campus, students will participate in the continuous animal care tasks, experimental procedures (locomotion trials and perhaps chemical extraction), and gathering and analyzing data.
Self-motivated curious students. Knowledge and skills on video visualization and editing (Adobe Premiere, Quicktime), as well as coding (R, Matlab, Mathematica) will be ideal, although not required -- the research will be a good experience to learn these techniques with a real-life example. Also, behavioral research requires patience and careful skills in animal care and observations.