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Sarah K. Huber, Ph.D. Education: Postdoc University of Utah, 2007-2008
Ph.D. University of Massachusetts, 2007
B.A. Duke University, 1999 E-mail: sarahhuber@rmc.edu Office: Copley 122
Courses:
BIOL 121 Integrative Biology I
BIOL 260 Vertebrate Field Biology
BIOL 309 Animal Behavior
BIOL 335 Evolution and Conservation in the Galapagos Islands
BIOL 480 Evolutionary Biology
FYEC 233 Mad Scientists |
Research Interests
Our research focuses on evolution and speciation in two groups of birds: Darwin’s finches and Prothonotary warblers. Work on Darwin’s finches has focused on the interplay between beak morphology and song production. Specifically, we have examined how selection on beaks might impact the kinds of songs that birds can produce. These songs, in turn, function to attract mates and may lead to population divergence between different beak morphs. In addition, we are part of a study to document the effects of an introduced parasite, Philornis downsi, on Darwin’s finches.
We also study the evolution of multiple, sexually selected traits in Prothonotary warblers on the James River. In this system we are particularly interested in the evolution of song and plumage. Current projects include: 1) documenting the relationship between song, plumage, and adult fitness; 2) documenting the relationship between song, plumage, and “direct benefits” to females (such as provisioning of nestlings); and 3) understanding the relationship between song, plumage, and immune function.
Publications
Koop, J.A.H., Huber, S.K., Laverty, S.M., and Clayton, D.H. 2011.Experimental demonstration of the fitness consequences of an introduced parasite of Darwin's finches. PLoS ONE6(5): e19706. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0019706
Huber, S.K., Owen, J.P., Koop, J.A.H., King, M.O., Grant, P.R., Grant, B.R., and Clayton, D.H. 2010. Ecoimmunity in Darwin's finches: Invasive parasites trigger acquired immunity in the medium ground finch (Geospiza fortis). PLoS One 5(1): e8605. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0008605
Hendry, A.P., Huber, S.K., De Leon, L.F., Herrel, A., and Podos, J. 2008. Disruptive selection in a bimodal population of Darwin’s finches. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Biological Sciences. 276:753-759.
Huber, S.K. 2008. Effects of the introduced parasite Philornis downsi on nestling growth and mortality in Darwin’s finches. Biological Conservation 141: 601-609.
Huber, S.K., De Leon, L.F., Hendry, A.P., Bermingham, E., and Podos, J. 2007. Reproductive isolation between sympatric morphs in a bimodal population of Darwin’s finches. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Biological Sciences 274: 1709-1714.
Huber SK, Podos J. 2006. Beak morphology and song features covary in a population of Darwin’s finches (Geospiza fortis). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 88: 489-498.
Herrel, A., Podos, J., Huber, S.K., and Hendry, A.P. 2005. Evolution of bite force in Darwin's finches: a key role for head width. Journal of Evolutionary Biology. 18: 669-675.
Herrel, A., Podos, J., Huber, S.K., and Hendry, A.P. 2005. Bite performance and morphology in a population of Darwin's finches: implications for the evolution of beak shape. Functional Ecology. 19: 43-48.
Podos, J., Huber, S.K., and Taft, B. 2004. Bird song: The interface of evolution and mechanism. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics. 35: 55-87.
Publications: Peer Reviewed Curricula
Huber, S.K. and Lemons, P.P. 2002. Threats to Biodiversity: A Case Study of Hawaiian Birds. Nation al Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, NY. http://sciencecases.lib.buffalo.edu/cs/collection/detail.asp?case_id=449&id=449
Lemons, P.P. and Huber, S.K. 2001. Dr. Collins and the Case of the Mysterious Infection. National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, NY. http://sciencecases.lib.buffalo.edu/cs/collection/detail.asp?case_id=348&id=348