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Work in the balalab is aimed at understanding how genes and the environment interact to generate biodiversity. We are fundamentally an integrative biology lab, combining aspects of behavioral biology, ecology, neuroscience, immunology and genomics all linked by an evolutionary framework. We combine studies of some avian oddities - brood parasites, white-throated sparrows (a bird with 4 sexes) - with studies of the zebra finch model system in order to understand the origin of this diversity. Within these study systems we aim to uncover both the genomic basis of evolutionary adaptation and the ecological and demographic processes responsible for population divergence.
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Mechanisms of BehaviorWe are interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying the diversity of social behaviors observed in birds. A key focus of our work is on the origins of brood parasitic behavior. Obligate brood parasitism has evolved seven times independently in birds, providing a remarkable opportunity to identify the underlying genomic changes. Recently, as part of a National Science Foundation RCN grant, we have also begun studies of courtship display behavior in neotropical manakins, a group of birds well-known for lek mating systems, and complex male displays.
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SpeciationHow does one species become two? We are interested in understanding both ecological and genomic aspects of the speciation process using (mostly) birds as a model system. Some of our most recent work examined patterns of gene expression divergence during speciation, and gene misexpression in hybrids. Admittedly, we aren't doing too much speciation work right now, but this topic is sort of the bread and butter of BALALAB history so it remains!
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Avian ImmunityBeginning with classic work on the chicken MHC, birds have played an important role in the study of immunology. Songbirds also serve as vectors for a number of diseases that affect humans. We have been studying avian susceptibility West Nile virus using Zebra Finches as our study system. In partnership with Sylvan Heights Bird Park, we are also conducting studies of i immunity in the context of the conservation of rare waterfowl.
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