Neuroethologists and Comparative Neurobiologists on the Faculty
  Our theme of neuroethology and evolution of the nervous system derives naturally from the work of our core investigators. Ongoing work ranges from attempts to understand the function and evolution of the auditory system in insects (Yager) to studies of avian visual perception in pigeons (Hodos) and hormonal influences on behavior (Carter). The range of species includes insects (Shaw, Yager), fish (Popper and Jeffery), amphibians (Yager), lamprey (Cohen), reptiles (Hall, Dooling, Popper), birds (Carr, Dooling, Hall, Hodos, Ottinger and Troyer), and mammals (Carter and Moss). To our knowledge, no other research group uses such a range of animal models for investigations of neuroethology. The training faculty include several leaders in the neuroethology community, not to mention many active members of the International Society for Neuroethology (ISN). Carr and Cohen are on the council of ISN, Carr is the former secretary, and Popper is the current secretary.

We also have a strong group of comparative neuroanatomists and members knowledgeable about the evolution of the nervous system. We can provide the ideal environment for individuals who wish to learn more about the comparative method. A text used in our classrooms, published by Butler and Hodos, entitled Comparative Vertebrate Neuroanatomy was described as "the only contemporary text in brain evolution, and in comparative neurology(see appendix for table of contents of Butler and Hodos). The breadth of coverage is remarkable". William Hodos, a member of our group, has also published the standard brain atlas texts on the pigeon brain (Karten and Hodos, 1961). Our group is well equipped to train students in this discipline.

The department of Biology is also strong in studies of evolution and behavior. The new chair, William Jeffery, is a leader in the "evo-devo" field and studies the evolution of developmental mechanisms in both simple chordates and in populations of sighted and blind cave fish. Other evolutionary biologists on the faculty pursue research with a conceptual focus related to evolutionary theory (Popper, Shaw, Yager). The study of animal behavior has a strong tradition, and this proposal includes both core (Carter, Dooling, Hodos, Moss and Yager) and affiliate faculty (Borgia and Wilkinson) who have made major contributions in the field of animal behavior.

We also recognize the important contributions of cellular and molecular biology to the training in neurobiology, evolution and behavior. The MOCB and BEES Programs provide outstanding resources for students in the proposed Neuroethology training program. In addition, two new faculty appointments in molecular neurobiology are anticipated, and the research programs of the new faculty recruits will help to build the molecular component of this training program.

Each member of our core faculty can provide excellent training for our students. Our team will provide the cooperation needed to make signicant advances in our understanding of the evolution of the nervous system. There exists substantial overlapping between various core research topics in neuroethology. Collaboration has proven very useful among the core researchers; new joint projects, and ideas are being constantly generated. All of our pre- and postdoctoral trainees are strongly encouraged to do at least some research projects that bridge laboratories and species. Post-doctoral fellows will be chosen preferrably from those individuals who show interest in cross laboratory collaborations.