Evolutionary ecology studies the interaction between organisms and their environment in an evolutionary context and how patterns of evolution are explained by the ecological relationships of species. Lab research areas include testing hypotheses about the ecology and evolution of animal coloration and infrared reflectance, as well as the life histories of animals. It is an integrative approach aiming to combine the physical aspects that produce colour and affect the thermal exchange of animals with the ecological and behavioural aspects of organisms. We use invertebrates, particularly spiders and insects, as models.

 

Possible projects include examining the effect of climate and climate change on the size, body shape, hairiness, and coloration of spiders and insects. These topics are explored through fieldwork and/or laboratory research.

 

The laboratory is always open to creative ideas in ecology and evolution (life history; body size and shape; thermoregulation; coloration; anti-predatory strategies).

 

Opportunities:

Master's and doctoral programmes in Ecology at the University of Brasília; Undergrad scholarships and voluntary internships in the Laboratory.

 

 

Ongoing Funded Projects

 

Coloration and Size of Butterflies in Space and Time (FAP/DF 2024-2026)

 

Body temperature may strongly influence the fitness of organisms, affecting their metabolic rates and behavioral activities. Climate change resulting from global warming has significant impacts on ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. High temperatures can lead to thermal stress in animals, especially ectotherms, which are more dependent on weather conditions. The color and reflectance of organisms in different light wavelength ranges, such as visible, near-infrared, and long-infrared, affect heat exchange with the environment. Organisms with high heat absorption in these ranges are at greater risk of overheating. Body size also influences thermal regulation, with smaller animals exposed to the sun reaching lower equilibrium temperatures than larger animals. These morphological characteristics interact with environmental factors and affect the distribution of organisms in time and space. Additionally, selective pressures from a changing environment can lead to alterations in these characteristics over time.
Butterflies are a promising group for understanding the impacts of climate change due to their sensitivity to weather variables. Generally, these organisms are active during the hottest parts of the day, but some species are active in the early morning or late afternoon. This relationship may reflect physiological needs and tolerance to overheating. Thus, the project proposes combining information from specimens deposited in scientific collections with new field collections, modern techniques for measuring colour, meteorological data, and heat transfer models. The goal is to evaluate the relationship between the size, coloration, infrared reflectance, and emissivity of butterflies with their spatial and temporal distribution on different scales. The project stands out for its innovative approach, aiming to investigate whether characteristics beyond visible light, such as near-infrared reflectance and emissivity, have changed over time due to climate change. Additionally, it intends to combine data on colouration, near-infrared reflectance, emissivity, and size with local meteorological data to examine whether the temporal distribution of butterflies throughout the day reflects their use of available heat sources. This is expected to contribute to understanding the impacts and potential adaptations of organisms to climate change on regional and local scales.

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Adapter and Software for Converting Devices into Multispectral Cameras with Calibrated Images (FAP/DF 2024-2026)

 

Light reflected in ranges beyond the visible spectrum, such as ultraviolet and near-infrared, has various applications in health, environment, and agriculture. In the health field, this light helps detect tumor cells, eye diseases, and assess COVID-19 patients. In agriculture, it is useful for identifying risks in crops, detecting pests, and analyzing soil. Reflected light in different wavelengths can also affect the body temperature of animals by altering the proportion of absorbed energy. There are different instruments to measure light reflected in various wavelengths. Spectrophotometers are high spectral resolution laboratory devices but have limitations regarding the measurement area and are relatively expensive. Hyperspectral cameras have high spectral and spatial resolution but are extremely costly. Multispectral cameras are similar to conventional cameras but with multiple spectral bands, making it possible to produce adapters to transform devices such as DSLR cameras into multispectral cameras with calibrated images. These adapters would be much cheaper and easier to use by less specialized audiences. Thus, the objectives of this project are: (1) developt an adapter for use by non-specialists; (2) Expand its use to mobile devices (mobile phones and tablets). (2) convert an R package to an user-friendly software; and (3) test the system in a real application to understand how climate change can affect the fauna of the Federal District and the Cerrado as a whole. The adapters and software can then be applied in various sectors, such as the environment, agriculture, and health.