Monthly Archives: December 2011

The evolution of hyperactivity, impulsivity and cognitive diversity

This paper focuses on the past and current effects of the impulsivity trait associated with ADHD, specifically the hyperactive/impulse subtype of ADHD, also referred to as ADHD-HI. One of the main questions in the class discussion was what is the … Continue reading

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Predator-Driven Trait Diversification in a Dragonfly Genus: Covariation in Behavioral and Morphological Antipredator Defense

The impact of predation on phenotypic diversity is a topic that has only been studied recently. Prey use predator-specific correlated sets of morphological and behavioral traits to deter predators, and depending on the selection regime, these traits can be differently … Continue reading

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Ecological and Evolutionary Consequences of Coastal Invasions: A review

The paper “Ecological and Evolutionary consequences of Coastal Invasions,” by Edwin Grosholz presented a review of the literature regarding invasive species in estuarine and marine environments. He begins with an introduction of how these environments are among the most invaded … Continue reading

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Coral reefs promote the evolution of morphological diversity and ecological novelty in labrid fishes.

S.A. Price, R. Holzman, T.J. Near, and P.C. Wainwright. Ecology Letters 2011 14: 462-469 Those of us studying biology are familiar with the concept that coral reefs support biodiversity.  The authors of this paper nicely demonstrate this concept and give … Continue reading

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Reproductive performance of alternative male phenotypes of growth hormone transgenic Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

The ever-increasing human population places increasing stress on global food resources. In response to this, an idea to improve fish farming has come about to create transgenic salmon that would have an increased growth rate. Researchers have been able to … Continue reading

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Serotonin and aggressive behavior in rodents and nonhuman primates: Predisposition and plasticity

The authors in this review analyze research involving aggressive behavior in rodents (mice and rats), nonhuman primates (Old World Monkeys and Chimpanzees) and humans and attempt to categorize the aggression as either adaptive to evolution or pathological. They divide adaptive … Continue reading

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