Biology Biology Monday Seminar

Dr. Sarah Goodwin
Visiting Lecturer, Biology
Amherst College
"Studies of Songbirds: From Conservation to Communication"
Animal communication facilitates myriad interactions such as mate choice, reproduction, agonistic interactions, and social behavior, to name a few. In acoustic systems (birdsong, for example), vocalizing individuals often intend for their signal to be received by a targeted individual. Sound must travel through a medium though, and to be effective, reliably transmit the signaled information. Furthermore, signals transmitted acoustically are often available to not just the intended receiver, but to other intercepting animals. In my research, I have explored both consequences and opportunities that arise from such signaling systems. One line of my research has examined the effects varied sound mediums on signalers and receivers, asking how animals contend with rapid changes to their sound environments, and what implications those behaviors may have for conservation. A second line of research examines how social behavior is altered when multiple receivers are available to intercept and use acoustic signals. My research focuses primarily on songbirds, and more recently, acoustically communicating insects.