Work at the Laboratório de Comportamento Animal primarily concerns sexual selection and the evolution of social systems in various species of diverse taxonomic groups, among vertebrates and invertebrates, including birds, insects and primates. Two of the main study models used in our lab are the monogamous mating system of the blue-black grassquit (Volatinia jacarina) and the communal breeding system of the guira cuckoo (Guira guira).
Blue-black grassquits exemplify a fascinating system for the study of sexual selection. In their monogamous mating system, males aggregate in lek-like patterns and execute vigorous displays. Despite the frequent absence of genetic relatedness to nestlings in their nests, males invest heavily in paternal care. Currently, research focuses on questions about the genetic and hormonal nature of social monogamy, territorial aspects, parental investment by both sexes, structural aspects of plumage, and vocalization.
The guira cuckoo system is an interesting model for the study of several issues related to the evolution oof social behavior. These Neotropical birds nest communally, and all the females in a group use a single nest to lay their eggs. Group individuals exhibit a variety of cooperative tactics, as well as competitive ones, such as egg ejection and infanticide, which have been investigated in behavioral, genetic and hormonal studies.
Beyond these model species, current and past projects include the social and cooperative behavior of the campo flicker (Colaptes campestris), breeding system of the southern lapwing (Vanellus chilensis), foraging strategies of birds from the Charadriidae and Scolopacidae families, sociality and behavior in monkeys (Cebus libidinosus and Callithrix penicillata), among others.
Another strong research line in the Laboratorio de Comportamento Animal is bioacoustics in the context of animal communication, as well as a tool for assessment of biodiversity. Projects in this line of investigation cover the identification of avian communities based on the set of vocalizations in a given area, as well as the study of the structure and content of the acoustic messages of individuals. Additionally, we are working with the impact of sound pollution on different aspects of avian song and reproduction.
Blue-black grassquits exemplify a fascinating system for the study of sexual selection. In their monogamous mating system, males aggregate in lek-like patterns and execute vigorous displays. Despite the frequent absence of genetic relatedness to nestlings in their nests, males invest heavily in paternal care. Currently, research focuses on questions about the genetic and hormonal nature of social monogamy, territorial aspects, parental investment by both sexes, structural aspects of plumage, and vocalization.
The guira cuckoo system is an interesting model for the study of several issues related to the evolution oof social behavior. These Neotropical birds nest communally, and all the females in a group use a single nest to lay their eggs. Group individuals exhibit a variety of cooperative tactics, as well as competitive ones, such as egg ejection and infanticide, which have been investigated in behavioral, genetic and hormonal studies.
Beyond these model species, current and past projects include the social and cooperative behavior of the campo flicker (Colaptes campestris), breeding system of the southern lapwing (Vanellus chilensis), foraging strategies of birds from the Charadriidae and Scolopacidae families, sociality and behavior in monkeys (Cebus libidinosus and Callithrix penicillata), among others.
Another strong research line in the Laboratorio de Comportamento Animal is bioacoustics in the context of animal communication, as well as a tool for assessment of biodiversity. Projects in this line of investigation cover the identification of avian communities based on the set of vocalizations in a given area, as well as the study of the structure and content of the acoustic messages of individuals. Additionally, we are working with the impact of sound pollution on different aspects of avian song and reproduction.
