Behavioral Ecology & Physiology Program
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| Nick Whitney, Ph.D. Staff Scientist, Program Manager |
| The Behavioral Ecology & Physiology Program employs cutting-edge technology to quantify fine-scale aspects of behavior and physiology in a variety of vertebrate species. Although most of this research focuses on sharks, we have expanded the application of our techniques to other marine and even terrestrial species in collaboration with various local, national and international partners in both academic and government agencies. Our work generally involves studying behaviors in wild animals that are difficult to observe, quantifying the effect of environmental variables on those behaviors, or measuring the impact of some disturbance on animal recovery and survival. This is done by applying high-resolution data-loggers to animals in their natural habitat. Because these data-loggers often incorporate acceleration sensors, we are also able to quantify activity-related energy expenditure in tagged animals, and thus provide insight into the physiological constraints that may be driving behavior. To this end, we are also beginning an intensive effort to correlate acceleration with oxygen consumption in several species of coastal sharks using respirometry on animals in Mote’s Marine Experimental Research Facility. Knowing the relationship between acceleration and oxygen consumption will allow us to estimate the oxygen consumption (and hence energy expenditure) of animals in the wild using their acceleration data alone. This approach will allow us to bridge the gap between the laboratory and the field in order to obtain highly accurate estimates of field metabolic rate. Projects within this program are funded by the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Geographic Society, the Waitt Foundation, the Pritzker Foundation and the U.S. Geological Survey. |
| Current Projects |
About Us
Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955. Today, we incorporate public outreach as a key part of our mission. Mote is an independent nonprofit organization and has seven centers for marine research, the public Mote Aquarium and an Education Division specializing in public programs for all ages.
