|
Research Summary:
My research integrates morphological, developmental, and functional analyses
to study how ontogeny, ecology, and phylogeny affect vertebrate design and
function. This involves
experimental and morphometric approaches to the analysis of form and function
in organisms, and ecomorphological approaches to the study of resource use.
Morphology is analyzed using a computer-interfaced video analysis system and
quantitative morphometrics to describe and compare individual structures and
their shapes. Development is
quantified by tracking anatomical structures visualized in ontogenetic series
using conventional and immunohistochemical staining and clearing techniques.
High-speed video and electromyography are used to synchronize
behavioral movements with muscle activity patterns.
Ground reaction and bite forces are quantified as well.
Organismal performance is tested in the laboratory and the field to
link morphology to ecology and resource use.
The integration of these approaches allows empirical tests of a broad
spectrum of biological phenomena and hypotheses.
Much of my recent research has focused on the metamorphosis of feeding
function in lower vertebrates and the evolution of neoteny and paedomorphosis
in salamanders. Functional
morphological data form a necessary basis for hypotheses about the origin of
terrestrial feeding, how the environment influences morphological evolution,
and how development, heterochrony, and phylogeny constrain the evolution of
vertebrate form and function.
Present
studies focus on vertebrate locomotion with a general goal to understand the
locomotory change from sprawling to erect postures.
This involves quantitative functional analyses of
hindlimb function during running in a variety of vertebrates.
Recent studies of lizards have shown that we know very little
about vertebrate locomotion except for cursorial mammals.
In addition, little is known about how limb movements and motor
patterns change to increase speed.
Selected References:
-
Reilly, S.M., L.D. McBrayer, and T.D. White. 2001. Prey
processing in amniotes: biomechanical and behavioral
patterns of food reduction. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. Part A.
128:397-415.
-
White, MM, Vallejo, F, and S.M. Reilly. 2000. Fine scale genetic
differentiation in the Carolina Mountain Dusky salamander, Desmognathus
carolinenesis. J. Herpetol. 34:298-302.
-
Elias, J.A., McBrayer, L.D. and S.M. Reilly. 2000. Prey processing kinematics in
Tupinambis teguixin and Varanus exanthematicus: conservation of feeding behavior
in "chemosensory tongued" lizards. J. Exp. Biol. 203:791-801.
-
Reilly, S.M. 2000. Locomotion in the Quail (Coturnix japonica): The Kinematics of
Walking and Increasing Speed. Journal of Morphology.
243:173-185.
-
Reilly, S.M. 2000. Shapes of Time. The Evolution of Growth and Development (Review).
American Zoologist. 38:988-989.
-
Reilly, S.M. and J.A. Elias. 1998. Locomotion in Alligator mississippiensis:
kinematic effects of speed and posture and their relevance to the sprawling to erect
paradigm. J. Exp. Biol. 201:1559-1574.
|
