Development and evolution of
brain and behavior.
How do changes in development allow the evolution of
novel brain structures? How do these structures
translate into adaptive behaviors? Research in my
laboratory is attempting to shed light on these
questions. The mushroom bodies, sensory integration
and learning and memory centers in the brains of
insects, are an excellent model system for
comparative studies of the connection between
development, structure and function during brain
evolution. Mushroom body morphology varies widely
across different insect species, reflecting the
equally diverse array of behaviors and life
histories found in insects. We can take advantage of
this diversity to identify features of mushroom body
structure that are important for particular
behaviors, and how these features arise during
development.
Due to the range of disciplines
covered by these research interests, my laboratory
is currently engaged in projects ranging from the
characterization of cellular processes in
development to the quantification of brain
structures to identifying ecological correlates of
mushroom body organization. Future projects will
also include behavioral assays and identifying the
genetic bases of the evolution of mushroom body
development.
Dr. Farris' Home Page:
http://www.as.wvu.edu/~sfarris/ |