Phddissertation

Methods & Techniques

• Conducted transcriptomic profiling of forager brains to assess gene expression differences.
• Performed pharmacological experiments to evaluate the effects of dopamine on foraging behavior.
• Executed manipulative field experiments to study foraging trips in relation to hydration levels.
• Utilized RNA-seq to analyze gene expression variation within and among colonies.

Key Findings

• Significant differences in brain biogenic amine titers were found among colonies.
• Increased dopamine levels correlated with heightened foraging activity.
• Foragers from colonies that reduced foraging in dry conditions exhibited faster water loss and motor coordination decline.
• Gene expression patterns were linked to colony traits and evolutionary constraints.

Prerequisites

• Evolutionary biology and ecology fundamentals
• Social insect biology and colony organization

🎯 Consulting & Tutoring

Daniel Ari Friedman, PhD is available for AI Research Consulting and Tutoring related to this skill.

Related Skills

See BIBLIOGRAPHY.md for the complete publication catalog and related papers.