One aspect of our current research in population and community ecology involves the patterns and mechanisms of biogeographic distributions and competitive interactions of sunfish (Centrarchidae). We are looking for students that would be interested in working with us on two components of this research:
1) development of a foraging model for redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) and testing the model’s ability to predict the dietary patterns of redear in Florida lakes;
2) examination of the extent of phenotypic plasticity of the pharyngeal morphology of redear sunfish and how it is driven by variation in resource (snail) abundance.
Both of these projects will involve laboratory and field work and also data analysis. Students will be expected to help plan the study; collect field samples (fish and benthic invertebrates), perform laboratory studies (feeding trials, dietary analyses, muscle dissections), enter data, and be involved in analysis and writeup. The students will work together on these projects, each taking the lead on one of the projects.
This work is supported by the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduate Program. Each student will receive a summer stipend (on the order of $1,000 - 1,500) and be eligible for credit via enrollment in Zoology 4905. We expect both students to continue their involvement in the project and our laboratory through the 1997-98 academic year (receiving 4905 credit).
Interested students should submit a resume and a description of their research interest and professional aspirations (i.e., include a statement about why you are interested in this opportunity) to Casey Huckins or Craig Osenberg, 223 Bartram Hall, Department of Zoology, University of Florida, Gainesville Fl, 32611 or e-mail your application to them at huckins@zoo.ufl.edu or osenberg@zoo.ufl.edu.