Dr. Neil Ford, Professor of Biology

Role of energy intake in phenotypic plasticity of life history traits of snakes

This research involves experimental examination of how different quantities of food impact the reproductive traits of female snakes. Trade-offs between number and size of offspring are believed to be optimized for populations based on both current and future reproductive events. Growth is also important because snakes can have higher reproductive output with larger size. Therefore, how particular species respond to dietary regimens in the laboratory can give insight into how life-history trade-offs occur in particular environments. I am currently analyzing data on the role of Insulin growth factor in determining the changes in the African House snake. This information was gathered in conjunction with a National Science Foundation grant I received with Ann Bronikowski of Iowa State.