Research Description

Nearly all animal species (at least 80%) have a life cycle that includes metamorphosis. All animals species have a life cycle that includes maturation (i.e., when one become reproductive status). Variation in the timing of these events often has the simple, yet important consequence of producing variation in body size. Individuals that delay maturation (or metamorphosis) are larger at maturation (or metamorphosis) than those individuals which accelerate metamorphosis. Our research program is dedicated to understanding how environment and adaptation produce both individual- and population-level variation in the timing of these events. We explore these topics by exploring population level (e.g., what is the average duration of larval period in tadpoles existing in temporary vs. permanent ponds) and whole-organism level responses (e.g., what is the order of appearance/disappearance of skull bones during metamorphosis) in salamanders and frogs.

Beachy's INBRE Research