An exploration of wet and dry lab techniques

An exploration of wet and dry lab techniques for behavioral ecology Nicolas Katz

Objectives Explore different forms of aggression trial Learn data management strategies Learn DNA extraction Explore metaanalyses of DNA database Explore bird trapping, handling, and banding techniques Learn to characterize insect sweep samples based on morphology Learn to feather sample, blood sample, record morphological measurements, and image

Competitor Aggression Trials • Measure breeding pair response to nestbox competitors • Mechanism of maternal behavior programming Potticary, A. L. , Duckworth, R. A. Environmental mismatch results in emergence of cooperative behavior in a passerine bird. Evol Ecol 32, 215– 229 (201

DNA Extraction 2 • DNA Extraction from blood samples • Genome Core • Sexing http: //www. u. arizona. edu/~rad 3/

Data Management • Large datasets = lots of management • Excel tools • communication

Grass Sweep Samples • Sorting, classification, and imaging of insects from grass-sweep samples • Compare preferred forage to available forage in a given year • Compare available forage across years http: //www. u. arizona. edu/~rad 3/

Field Study and Morphology Samples • Developing nestbox populations • Trapping, Handling, Banding • Blood Samples, Feather Samples • Imaging • Morphological measurements The Madera Canyon as seen from Apache Springs Ranch, where a study population of Azure bluebirds is located

Moving Forward • I plan to continue work in the Duckworth Lab in upcoming semesters, and hope to begin a new research project continuing to expand on the body of research aiming to characterize the mechanisms of behavioral programming http: //www. u. arizona. edu/~rad 3/