The Avian Lumbosacral Organ
Like us, birds have balance organs in their inner ears. But, birds may have an additional balance organ known as the “lumbosacral organ” (LSO) in their spine, which might help them sense the movement of their body independently from their head. This purported second balance organ may have played a very important role in bird locomotor evolution. I am currently working with Dr. Bing Brunton and Dr. David Perkel to (1) evaluate the function of the avian lumbosacral organ and (2) understand how it evolved in birds. You can read more about the avian LSO here (morphology) and here (molecular).
The Bat Calcar
Neomorphic skeletal elements are found throughout the evolutionary history of vertebrates. One set of examples is the “styliform element” of animals with membrane-bound limbs (e.g., pterosaurs, bats, some gliding mammals). I am trying to better understand the mechanisms that generate morphological novelty and diversity through a multi-faceted study of the bat calcar, a novel skeletal structure at the bat ankle. I began this work in the lab of Dr. Sharlene Santana. You can read what my colleagues and I have learned so far about the anatomy and evolution of the calcar here and here.
More recent work seeks to understand the function and development of the calcar. Data is still being analyzed, so stay tuned!
My work relies heavily on museum collections and decades (centuries!) of foundational work in organismal biology, systematics, and natural history. Through field, museum, and lab work, I try to do my part to learn more about the animals I study.
Thank you to all of the museum collections that have allowed me to use the specimens you hold in your care.