Behavioral Systems

The Behavioral Systems thematic area focuses on the development, function, mechanisms, and evolution of behavior, biological rhythms, and interactions between organisms including animals, plants, and microbes. This area supports research on social and reproductive behavior; behavioral ecology and physiology; neural and hormonal mechanisms of behavior; immunology of behavior; and the biological bases of learning, cognition, and communication. Behavioral Systems also encompasses physiological responses, chemical communication, and reproductive consequences of plant interactions with other organisms. Proposals that use functional genomics to understand physiological and behavioral adaptations to environmental stimuli and stress are encouraged.

Target Dates: January 12 & July 12

Program Directors:
Diane Witt - Neural mechanisms underlying behavior and neuroendocrine regulation of brain-behavior relationships, including reproductive/social behavior, learning and memory, and biological rhythms in animals

Godfrey Bourne - Behavioral ecology of animals and plants; evolution of parental care; sexual selection, including reproductive behavior and behavioral adaptations to environmental stimuli and stress

Jerry Wolff - Behavioral ecology, mating systems, sexual selection and social evolution, learning and cognition

Gary Thompson - Plant-biotic interactions, including molecular and physiological responses to pathogens and non-pathogenic organisms

Behavioral Systems Staff Directory