The MacLeod Lab explores the links between animal behaviour, life history and physiology, and how individuals interact with each other and their environment. This employs field and lab work. While the questions we address are not limited to any particular study species - we mostly work with lizards! Currently, research is focusing on three major themes, and how these may interact to shape and direct the evolutionary process.
ECOLOGICAL STRESSWhat is "stress" in ecological settings, and does it alter individual characteristics, behaviour, and fitness?
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maternal effectsHow does the maternal environment influence the traits and success of their offspring, and through what mechanisms?
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sociality and careWhat drives the evolution of sociality and parental care; and what are the consequences for species traits?
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lab news!
30.11.21 - new paper in Ecology & Evolution - Viviparous mothers impose stronger glucocorticoid-mediated maternal stress effects on their offspring than oviparous mothers
21.10.21 - new paper in Molecular Ecology (Open Access) - Context-dependent effects of glucocorticoids on the lizard gut microbiome
08.10.21 - another new paper! This time in Hormones & Behavior (Open Access) - Compensating for a stressful pregnancy? Glucocorticoid treatment during gravidity reduces metabolic rate in female fence lizards post-parturition
29.9.21 - new paper out now (Open Access) in Behavioral Ecology! - The influence of maternal glucocorticoids on offspring phenotype in high- and low-risk environments
21.10.21 - new paper in Molecular Ecology (Open Access) - Context-dependent effects of glucocorticoids on the lizard gut microbiome
08.10.21 - another new paper! This time in Hormones & Behavior (Open Access) - Compensating for a stressful pregnancy? Glucocorticoid treatment during gravidity reduces metabolic rate in female fence lizards post-parturition
29.9.21 - new paper out now (Open Access) in Behavioral Ecology! - The influence of maternal glucocorticoids on offspring phenotype in high- and low-risk environments
