Institute for Integrative Genome Biology

• A to Z Listing
• Campus Map
• Help

Theodore Garland

Professor of Biology

Mailing Address:

Biology
ULB /109
University of California
Riverside, CA 92521

Phone: (951) 827-3524
Fax: (951) 827-4275
Email: theodore.garland@ucr.edu
Website

Degree(s):

PhD 1985 University of California, Irvine
MS 1980 University of Nevada, Las Vegas
BS 1978 University of Nevada, Las Vegas

College/Division Affiliation:

College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Center/Inst Affiliation(s):

Center for Conservation Biology

Areas Of Expertise:

Evolutionary Biology and Physiology, with Emphasis on the Evolution of Complex Phenotypes

Awards / Honors:

1998  Vilas Associates Program, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
1994  H.I. Romnes Faculty Fellowship, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
1991  Presidential Young Investigator Award, National Science Foundation

Research Summary:

My research program focuses on the evolution of physiological systems, as well as their phenotypic plasticity.  As physiology cannot properly be understood in isolation from behavior, biochemistry, and morphology, my general approach is integrative and collaborative, and crosses traditional boundaries between disciplines.  Our laboratory is equipped to make a variety of sophisticated whole-animal physiological and behavioral measurements.  We have concentrated on locomotion and activity metabolism (exercise physiology) because many natural behaviors (e.g., escaping from predators, foraging) depend crucially on capacities for locomotion.  In addition, physical activity itself can have a variety of effects on behavior and physiology (e.g., training). 

We emphasize two complementary approaches, quantitative genetic and comparative.  The former allows both predictions of short-term responses to hypothetical selection pressures and tests in real time via laboratory selection experiments (one type of experimental evolution). Comparative studies, on the other hand, allow quantification of what actually has happened in a given group of organisms over evolutionary time. 

I have worked primarily on lizards, snakes, and small mammals (plus the occasional cow).  However, I recognize the value of "model systems" of all types, and am always amenable to work with other organisms.  For example, I am currently a co-PI on an NSF grant with David Reznick and Mark Springer to study the evolution of placentas and other life history traits in poecilid fishes.  Chris Oufiero, a current Ph.D. study, is beginning comparative studies of locomotor performance in relation to sexual selection in this group.

Selected Publications:

Lab Personnel: +

---

• Feedback
• Privacy Policy
• © 2007 Regents of the University of California