Contact Information:

205 Tucker Hall
Columbia, MO 65211

Email: jsgth5@mail.missouri.edu

Research Interests:

My research interests are broadly in the fields of animal behavior and communication. I am specifically interested in the evolution of animal signals/communication; in most cases the most conspicuous signals are mating displays. Mating displays proved incredible opportunities to understand how different selection forces contribute to signal design. Signals are under numerous constraints such as: environmental filtering, receiver filtering, female choice and mate competition. Investigating these constraints provide numerous research opportunities across a wide range of biological approaches (e.g., behavior, ecology, genetics and neurobiology).

In addition I am also interested in processes surrounding mate acquisition, such as: mating strategies, mate searching strategies, courtship behaviors and female preferences. I find this realm of biology fascinating because of its glimpses into how sexual selection and natural selection shape animal behavior.

Current Research:

Currently I’m working on several projects focused on understanding more about how small plant-dwelling insects, such as treehoppers, localize vibratory point sources (i.e., a receptive female). While it is evident that treehoppers are capable of localizing receptive females, through vibrational communication, the mechanisms are still unclear. Hence, the aim of my Ph.D. projects is to elucidate mechanisms of localization.

An aggregation of newly emerged adult thornbugs (tenerals).

Recent Publications

• Gibson, J.S., Swatek, C.A. & Cocroft, R.B. 2013. The influence of amplitude and propagation velocity on directional decisions in the Thornbug treehopper. (In Prep).
• Gibson, J.S. & Cocroft, R.B. 2013. Mate searching and directional accuracy in treehoppers. (In Prep).
• Cocroft, R.B., Hamel, J.A., Su, Q. & Gibson, J.S. 2014. Playback of animal vibrational signals. In: Vibrational Communication (Ed. R.B. Cocroft).
• Uetz, G.W., Roberts, J.A., Clark, D.L., Gibson, J.S. & Gordon, S.D. 2013. Multimodal signals increase active space of communication by wolf spiders in a complex litter environment, Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 67, 1471-1482.
• Gibson, J.S. & Uetz, G.W. 2012. Effect of rearing environment and food availability on seismic signaling in male wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae). Animal Behaviour, 84, 85-92.
• Gibson, J.S. & Uetz, G.W. 2008. Seismic communication and mate choice in wolf spiders: components of male seismic signals and mating success. Animal Behaviour, 75, 1253-1262.

For my complete CV, please follow this link: Jeremy S. Gibson curriculum vitae