205 Tucker Hall
Division of Biological Sciences
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211
phone: (573) 882-4189
fax: (573) 882-0123
JAHamel@mizzou.edu |
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Our graduate research group uses animal
communication to investigate sympatric speciation, sexual selection and social behavior.
I focus on the evolution of communication in social contexts and I am particularly interested in
how communication facilitates parental care.
My study system consists of two species that are sister taxa in a tribe of treehoppers:
thornbugs (Umbonia crassicornis) and oak hoppers (Platycotis vittata). In both
species, immatures (nymphs) develop on plants in groups guarded from invertebrate predators by female
parents. The females and offspring produce vibrational signals during and/or subsequent to predator
encounters.
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Nymphal signals function in soliciting maternal defense in both species, but signal types and signal timing,
relative to a predator attack, differ between species. Additionally, although nymphs and females clearly
interact during predator encounters in both species, the functions of female signals are unknown. In both
species, family groups are faced with some of the same kinds of predators (e.g., Hoplisoides wasps and
pentatomids).
Offspring signals come from multiple individuals, while female signals come from a single individual.
I hope to understand the dynamics of how such an asymmetrical interaction provides a response to predator
attack. I am investigating putative functions for female signals during predator encounters. I also plan
to investigate the effect of female and nymphal signals on two classes of receivers (i.e., other group
members and predators). Ultimately, I hope to determine whether predation pressure could have played a
role in selecting for signal parameters. Understanding the degree of flexibility available for signal
parameter design (i.e., whether sets of signals and responses in both species achieve similar ends in
antipredator response) will provide fertile new ground for the study of evolution of social communication. |
| curriculum vitae & publications |
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click [here] for a pdf of my CV
Publications:
Petranka JW, Harp EM, Holbrook CT, & JA Hamel. (2007) Long-term persistence of amphibian populations in a restored wetland complex. Biological Conservation. 138: 371-380.
Reynolds BC, Hamel J, Isbanioly J, Klausman L & KK Moorhead. (2007) From forest to fen: Microarthropod abundance and litter decomposition in a Southern Appalachian floodplain/fen complex (USA). Pedobiologica. 51: 273-280. |
