Research Interests
Comparative physiologists look
at why and how diverse organisms perform similar functions.
As such, they build bridges between molecular and organismic
biology. In addition to conventional physiological
techniques, comparative physiologists use the tools
of those camps to place organ function into the context
of adaptation and phylogeny.
Elucidating circulatory performance
in invertebrates is a major focus of the work in my
laboratory. Molluscs are primary research subjects
because this vast assemblage displays a wide variety
of circulatory arrangements, from closed system of
cephalopods to those that are classified as open. The
other molluscan classes possess the latter type of
system. I am working to understand why vast structural
differences exist in molluscan circulatory systems
and what are the functional and phylogenetic implications
of these differences.
Work has been ongoing to establish
the bulk transport capabilities of circulatory systems
in a variety of molluscs by constructing comprehensive
physiological models. This entails an analysis of the
system at several different levels from basic hemodynamics
to a detailed knowledge of the integrative and controlling
mechanisms of the cardiovascular system.
I also examine those aspects
of respiratory performance that have circulatory implications.
In particular, I am looking at the coordination of
the respiratory and circulatory systems that optimizes
delivery of oxygen to tissues. Since this involves
the availability and functioning of dioxygen carriers,
it has led me to consider ontogenetic sequences, nutritional
states and feeding behavior in these organisms.
The Crustacea are another major
group whose open circulatory systems have come under
my experimental scrutiny.
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