The Benard Lab at CWRU
We study the ecology, evolution, and conservation of amphibians are based out of the Biology Department at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Here you can learn about the people in the lab, our research, and how to get in touch with us. Recent research in the lab includes:
Long-term demographic studies of the effects of habitat modification and wetland restoration on populations of unisexual Ambystoma salamanders and smallmouth salamanders.
Experimental and multi-year observational studies of the effects of variation in phenology (the annual timing of life history events like breeding) on amphibian population and community ecology.
Experimental investigation of how amphibians are affected by habitat degradation, such as chemical pollutants and artificial light pollution at night.
Recent Publications:
Rollins, H.B. and M.F. Benard. 2020. Challenges in predicting the outcome of competition based on climate change-induced phenological and body size shifts. Oecologia. 193: 749-759. DOI: 10.1007/s00442-020-04705-w
Cope, K.L., M. Shook, and M.F. Benard. 2020. Exposure to artificial light at night during the larval stage has delayed effects on juvenile corticosterone concentration in American toads, Anaxyrus americanus. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 295: 113508. DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113508
Troy and Shruti explaining pipe surveys and a colonization experiment for Gray Treefrogs.
David (r) showing Troy and Rock the procedure for recording gray treefrogs.
