Latest Paper:

Hanifin, C. T., E. D. Brodie, Jr., and E. D. Brodie III. 2008. Phenotypic Mismatches Reveal Escape from Arms-Race Coevolution. PLoS Biology 6(3): e60 doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060060

see synposis: Gross L (2008) Predators Make (Temporary) Escape from Coevolutionary Arms Race. PLoS Biol 6(3): e75 doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0060075

Get other papers

I strive to understand both the selective forces shaping biodiversity and the genetic processes that translate natural selection into evolutionary changes. My research focuses on interactions at different levels of biological organization that promote phenotypic and genetic integration. Interactions can occur at many levels, from epistasis between loci within individuals to ecological interactions between different species. The results of interaction can range from genetic coadaptation (the evolution of coadapted gene complexes), to developmental integration, to phenotypic coadaptation of species engaged in coevolutionary interactions. Many of the techniques I employ stem from quantitative genetics, but I also incorporate basic fieldwork, behavioral observations, manipulative experiments, and the comparative method. More recently, I have begun to explore theoretical modeling as a means of understanding some of the more complex sorts of interactions in nature.

Much of my work concentrates on the predatory and antipredator adaptations of reptiles and amphibians, especially behavior and color pattern and the interaction between them. These interests have led me to investigations of predator exploitative ability and the coevolutionary arms races between predators and prey. I also explore indirect genetic effects and social selection through a combination of theoretical work and emprical studies of primarily insect systems.

Research Interests

• Predator-prey arms races, the geographic mosaic of coevolution, and the evolution of tetrodotoxin resistance in garter snakes
• The evolution of G-matrices in Anolis
• Observing selection in the wild
• Maternal effects of parental care in burrower bugs
• Models of indirect genetic effects (IGE's)
• Integration of behavior and color pattern in garter snakes
• Mimicry
  

Students and Postdocs (and other lab hangers-on)

I currently have 3 graduate students in the lab working on a variety of topics from social interactions in salamanders to the molecular basis of TTX resistance in garter snakes. Check out this page for links to descriptions of their work.

Some Publications

For kicks, check out the Ghosts of Reviewers Past to find out what others think of my papers

E-mail: bbrodie@virginia.edu

Things you might want to check out:

		and ETREE