Animals display a remarkable amount of variation in their behavior. What are the genetic, developmental, and neural mechanisms that underlie behavioral variation? Further, how do behaviors evolve? 

​A. mexicanus exists in a river-dwelling surface form, as well as in multiple populations that have been trapped in and have adapted to life in caves. Cavefish have adapted to survive and thrive in cave environments through the modification of morphological, physiological, and behavioral traits. Thus, these animals provide a powerful opportunity to investigate the mechanisms underlying trait evolution.

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How does natural genetic variation alter developmental processes to produce phenotypic change?

Genetic changes can alter developmental processes, leading to differences in sensory systems, brains, and ultimately, behavior. We investigate the developmental changes that lead to changes in the central nervous system that underlie sensory systems and behavioral evolution. 

What are the genetic and neural mechanisms underlying diversity in social behaviors?

While a significant body of research has contributed to our understanding of the genetic and neural bases of social behaviors, much less is known about how natural genetic variation contributes to differences in social behaviors between individuals, or how social behaviors evolve. We examine the genetic and neural mechanisms underlying natural variation and evolution of social behaviors.

What is the genetic basis of trait evolution?

Identifying the genes and genetic changes that underlie trait evolution is critical to understanding how and why traits evolve. We use genetic tools to investigate the genetic underpinnings of trait evolution.

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