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Research in the Goodisman Lab
We are part of the
School of Biology
at the Georgia Institute
of Technology in
Atlanta,
Georgia. Georgia Tech is an
outstanding university in the southeastern United States and
specializes in engineering, science, and research. The School of
Biology places particular emphasis on systems approaches to understanding
biology. We are always recruiting motivated students interested in
undertaking
undergraduate or
graduate level research. Interested students may contact
Goodisman directly at his
email address.
The importance
of sociality
The evolution of sociality represented one of the major transition points in evolutionary history. We are interested in understanding how evolutionary processes affect social systems and how sociality, in turn, affects the course of evolution. The subjects of our research are the social insects, which include ants, termites, social bees, and social wasps.
Our research focuses on understanding the social structure and mating
biology of social insects. In addition, we are interested in the process of
development and morphological evolution in the context of sociality. In
order to address these issues, we make use of a variety of techniques,
including computer simulations, analytical theory, field studies, and
laboratory experiments, as well as molecular genetic and genomic analyses.
Social insects, such as the yellowjacket wasp, bumblebee, and honeybee,
achieve tremendous ecological success because of their sophisticated group behaviors.
Development in social insects
Social insect societies function efficiently because they are composed of distinct castes. We study the molecular mechanisms underlying caste differentiation.
Social insect development leads to the formation of distinct castes.
Analysis of patterns of gene expression can reveal the relationships among developmental stages.
Natural selection in social insects
Social insects face selective pressures which may lead to unusual patterns of morphological evolution. We investigate how natural selection operates in social systems.
Cooperation and conflict in insect societies
Social insect colonies operate as integrated superorganisms. However, colonymates can also come into conflict. We study factors affecting the balance between conflict and cooperation in insect societies.
Invasive social insects
Social insects are among the most successful of invasive species. We use genetic techniques to understand how invasive social insects enter and establish introduced populations.
Invasive social insects such as the red imported fire ant cause tremendous ecological and economic damage.
Genetic markers can reveal how insect societies change in introduced habitats.
Nest construction and function
The nest represents a critical feature of most social insect societies. We are investigating how social insect nests are constructed and function under diverse conditions.
Social insects, such as the cathedral termite, build extraordinary nests.
The internal gallery structure of nests likely contains adaptations to aid in colony function.
Social insect mating systems
The mating systems of social insects are constrained because of the importance of maintaining a strong family structure. Nevertheless, multiple mating has evolved in several species. We study the consequences of multiple mating in social insects.
Life history strategies of social insects
Social insect colonies make decisions as to how to allocate resources to growth and reproduction. We study how these decisions are made and affected by environmental and genetic factors in natural populations. |
