Dr. Neil Ford, Professor of Biology
Role of energy intake in phenotypic plasticity of life history traits of snakes
This research involves experimental examination of how different quantities of food
impact the reproductive traits of female snakes. Trade-offs between number and size
of offspring are believed to be optimized for populations based on both current and
future reproductive events. Growth is also important because snakes can have higher
reproductive output with larger size. Therefore, how particular species respond to
dietary regimens in the laboratory can give insight into how life-history trade-offs
occur in particular environments. I am currently analyzing data on the role of Insulin
growth factor in determining the changes in the African House snake. This information
was gathered in conjunction with a National Science Foundation grant I received with
Ann Bronikowski of Iowa State.