MCBRAYER, LD; HERREL, AH*; LARSON, PM; Georgia Southern University; University of Antwerp; St. Anselm College : Functional basis for intersexual differences in bite force in the lizard Anolis carolinensis In many species of lizards, males attain greater body size and have larger heads than females of the same size. Often this dimorphism in head size […]

ASHLEY-ROSS, MA*; WADE, HS; Wake Forest University; Wake Forest University: Fearsome fangs and fast feet: Kinematics of prey capture in tarantulas Tarantulas are large, predatory spiders of the family Theraphosidae. Adult sizes range from 4 � 10 inches across the outspread legs, and these spiders are capable of eating prey up to mice and birds […]

VINYARD, Christopher J; WALL, Christine E*; WILLIAMS , Susan H; JOHNSON , Kirk R; HYLANDER, William L; NEOUCOM; Duke University; Ohio University; Duke University; Duke University: Are jaw-muscle activity patterns correlated with masticatory apparatus morphology among primate species? A long-standing hypothesis in studies of primate mastication argues that morphological changes in the masticatory apparatus have […]

Meeting Abstract 41.2  Jan. 6  Using animal behavior to teach the scientific process in a high school environment LEE, DN; University of Missouri – St. Louis dnl62e@umsl.edu Far too many students enter and leave science classes memorizing the products of scientific endeavors without knowing what science is. They fail to understand that science involves the observation of […]

Meeting Abstract 41.5  Jan. 6  The future of university-based natural history museums: lessons from history HANKEN, J.; Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA hanken@oeb.harvard.edu Contemporary natural history museums confront a future ripe with promise and uncertainty. This is especially so for university-based museums, which must compete both financially and intellectually with other deserving academic programs […]

Meeting Abstract 41.4  Jan. 6  Sea the Future of Science: Increasing Diversity through Cross Sector Collaboration FISLER, Shara; Aquatic Adventures Science Education Foundation sharafisler@aquaticadventures.org The lack of diversity in the scientific community has led to a call to action within government, academic institutions, and industry. In response to this need, a team of marine educators and researchers […]

Meeting Abstract 41.3  Jan. 6  Grading Student Lab Papers and Oral Presentations Fairly and Consistently Using Rubrics HARRIS, Michelle A.; University of Wisconsin-Madison maharris@wisc.edu Many of us require our students to write and orally present research papers and/or lab reports summarizing their lab work. We do this to assess how well our students understand key concepts embedded […]

Meeting Abstract 41.1  Jan. 6  Future Ecologists As Researchers: A F.E.A.R. Factor Summer in St Louis BADE, L.M.; Univ. of Missouri, St Louis lmbpb2@umsl.edu Students in urban settings have limited exposure to conservation biology and ecology topics. In actuality, studying ecology in urban environments is accessible, rewarding, and can provide students with authentic research opportunities. Towards these […]

Meeting Abstract 41.2  Friday, Jan. 4  The evolutionary relationship of gall crabs (family Cryptochiridae) and their placement within the Brachyura WETZER, R.*; ELWELL, S.L.; MARTIN, J.W.; Natural History Museum of Los Angeles Co.; Harvard University, Cambridge; Natural History Museum of Los Angeles Co. rwetzer@nhm.org Crabs of the family Cryptochiridae are among the most unusual of all groups […]

Meeting Abstract 41.3  Friday, Jan. 4  Phylogeny of the Infraorder Caridea based on Mitochondrial and Nuclear Genes (Crustacea: Decapoda) BRACKEN, H.D.*; DE GRAVE, S.; FELDER, D.L.; University of Louisiana at Lafayette heather.bracken@gmail.com Shrimps of the infraorder Caridea occur commonly throughout marine and freshwater habitats. Despite general familiarity of the group, phylogenetic relationships within the infraorder remain controversial. […]