Research in the Patek laboratory addresses broad evolutionary questions by integrating physiology, biomechanics, evolutionary analysis and animal behavior. Research focuses on three major conceptual areas: (1) biomechanics and physiology of communication signal production and reception, (2) macroevolutionary patterns of origins and diversification, and (3) the role of predation in morphological and behavioral evolution. Investigative tools range from bioacoustics and phylogenetics, to high speed videography and electrophysiology. Arthropod acoustic systems are a major focus of the lab, although any system under this broad conceptual umbrella is welcome.

Ongoing research in the lab includes:

• Biomechanics and evolution of spiny lobster sound production (Palinuridae)
• Evolutionary variation in spiny lobster olfaction
• Sound production and reception in mantis shrimp
• Biomechanics and visual signaling of the mantis shrimp’s raptorial appendage
• Large-scale evolutionary analyses of communication origins

Contact Info:
University of California
Department of Integrative Biology
Berkeley , CA 94720-3140 U.S.A.
Lab phone: (510) 643-2549
Fax: (510) 643-6264