Courses:
Human Anatomy
(290), Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (320), Advanced Human
Anatomy (410)
Research Interests:
Functional and Evolutionary Morphology of Vertebrates
I am interested in the comparative morphology of
musculoskeletal
systems in vertebrates. Currently, my students and I are investigating
the role of life history in the development and evolution of tail
morphology in salamanders. The tail provides an excellent model system
due to its multiple and changing roles in locomotor performance,
predator avoidance, and fitness in all life stages. We are currently
comparing larval tail morphologies among species with different adult
tail types to determine whether there is a correlation in tail
morphologies across life stages. Our long term goal is to examine the
role of facilitation and constraint in the ability of larval and adult
phenotypes to specialize in each life cycle stage and to effectively
exploit diverse environments.
Selected
Publications:
Vaglia, J.L., Babcock, S.K., and R.N. Harris.
1997. Tail development
and regeneration throughout the life cycle of the four-toed salamander Hemidactylium
scutatum. J. Morphology 233:15-29.
Babcock, S.K. and J.L. Blais. 2000. Caudal
vertebral development and
morphology in three salamanders with complex life cycles (Ambystoma
jeffersonianum, Hemidactylium
scutatum, and Desmognathus
ocoee). J.
Morphology. 247:142-159.
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