Research
Areas of expertise
- Marine Biology
- Visual Ecology
- Behavioural Ecology
- Biostatistics
- Field Biology
- Experimental Design
Marine prey-predator visual interactions
The mesmerising hunting display of the broadclub cuttlefish
Watch this space for news!!!
Visual detection of a cryptic predator by its prey fish
The role of eyes as a key trait for predator recognition
The well-defined, often circular, dark pupil of most animals makes the vertebrate eye difficult to hide. Eyes are indeed considered key features for face recognition of predators, prey or conspecifics. Among fish, mechanisms for pupil camouflage are widespread: Eye masks, skin flaps, eyeshine and pupillary closure are among the adaptions that can reduce pupil conspicuousness. This project aims at understanding the role of such adaptations in the context of predator detection by presenting 3D models of scorpionfish that feature different eye types and shapes to its prey fish. More to come!
Biostatistics - support with generalised linear mixed modelling
A versatile workflow for linear modelling in R
Current active collaborations involving data analysis include
Sexual selection in the black niger goby
In collaboration with Dr. Federica Poli from the Reproduction and Ecology of Fish Reproduction group of Prof. Maria Berica Rasotto in Padova, Italy.
Related publications:
Poli F., Marino I.A.M., Santon M., Bozzetta E., Pellizzato G., Zane L., Rasotto M.B. (2021) Spatial asymmetry of the paternity success in nests of a fish with alternative reproductive tactics. Scientific Reports 11, 3091.
Dental defects in anatomically modern humans
In collaboration with Laura-Sophia Limmer, Dr. Sireen El Zaatari and Prof. Katerina Harvati from the Paleoanthropology institute of the University of Tuebingen.
Related publications:
Manuscript in preparation
Visual ecology
A key aspect of my research approach is to consider the visual ecology of species of interests when investigating visual signals or other aspects related to animal behaviour.
As trichromatic primates, our vision evolved to spot ripe fruits. However, other animals may perceive the world very differently…
In terms of colour perception
But also in relation to the ability to resolve static details in an image
The way we see fish is quite different from the way they see themselves
Also, their colour patterns and behaviours might have evolved on very small scales that we rarely witness