Christopher Carmichael
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Christopher K. Carmichael, Ph.D.
Me and Monty the Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus) EDUCATION:
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
I am a herpetologist with a primary interest in behavioral ecology, however, the overall objectives of my research have a more global intent that is applicable to other taxonomic groups of organisms. I am also interested in using the comparative method to integrate behavioral ecology, morphological analyses, and population genetics, for the ultimate purpose of conservation management applications, formulating systematic revisions, and protecting worldwide biodiversity. My behavioral research has both descriptive (proximate causation) and ultimate components to address selection pressures that alter and influence phenotypic variation. As part of my ex-situ behavioral research, I currently maintain a colony of Indonesian pythons and pitvipers that number in the hundreds, representing many species from the genera Liasis, Morelia, Python, Apodora, and Crotalus that are used nonintrusively for some of the research summarized below. Many of these snakes originate from field-collected specimens that were subsequently captive bred to produce F1, F2, and F3 progeny. I am also interested in the various biotic and abiotic factors that affect "health" in captive reptiles. We are currently measuring glucocorticoid (stress hormones) and bone density changes in captive animals exposed to various experimental treatments.
My current research interests are multidimensional, however they can be organized into several main projects:
Phylogeography - Indonesian Pythons
Molecular Character Analysis I have ongoing collaborative work with Dr. Brian R. Kreiser (University of Southern Mississippi) investigating the phylogeography of the Indonesian water python (Liasis mackloti spp.). We are comparing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data of insular populations of L. mackloti found on and clustered around the island of Timor, of the Lesser Sundas Archipelago, Indonesia, in an attempt to characterize geographic patterns of molecular, morphological, and behavioral variation. Indonesia is a geologically diverse and complex region and a hotspot of biodiversity that offers biologists unique opportunities to work with species seldom seen (and in many cases undescribed!). Because there is no apparent gene flow between islands, this study offers an ideal setting for investigating the influence of natural selection on isolated populations and measuring the level of inter- and intra-populational differences as they relate to island separation in hopes to propose a systematic revision. There are currently three known “subspecies” of L. mackloti, including L. m. mackloti (found on the islands of Roti, Timor, and Semau), L. m. savuensis (found only on the island of Savu), and L. m. dunni (only occurs on the island of Wetar). Our research involves the use of various techniques including PCR and RFLP analyses. Based on our findings to date, we have detected three clades that appear to be congruent with the currently artificial subspecies groupings. We have found approximately 5-10% sequence divergence based on mtDNA sequence data for cytochrome b, substantiating our current position that the three recognized subspecies warrant revision to the species level. Other insular populations of Indonesian pythons are currently being investigated, as are endemic populations of Ohio reptiles and amphibians (Molecular/Population Genetics Projects). Behavioral Character Analysis I am interested in revealing the patterns of geographic variation that exists between the five insular populations of L. mackloti, with specific interests to elucidate the various mechanisms that mediate the full spectrum of courtship behaviors including precourtship (i.e. pheromone trailing), courtship (i.e. pelvic spurring), copulatory exploring, and coitus behaviors. Pythons are unique in that they have a pair of pelvic spurs located laterally in the region of the cloaca that are used by males to tactally stimulate the female during courtship. Infra-red nighttime scopes are used to study these primarily nocturnal behaviors performed by the pythons in ex-situ observational arenas. Various electron microscopy techniques will be used to locate and describe potential sensory pit locations on the female dorsal aspect that may play an important function in eliciting a coitus response during courtship (e.g. tactile/pelvic spurring). We are interested in investigating whether or not these sensory pits correlate with the location the male targets his pelvic spurring during courtship, and whether or not these potential sensory pit locations show geographic variation. Based on our behavioral trials and results to date, there appears to be interesting variation in the location of spurring patterns between the three clades. We also find through pheromone trailing experiments an apparent “choice” by males to follow and track conspecific (i.e. intrapopulation) female trails. Modified Y-maze arenas are used to test pheromone trailing specificity as it relates to reproductive isolating mechanisms. This variation in precourtship and courtship behaviors would obviously be important prezygotic reproductive isolating mechanisms that would provide a basis for investigating various selection forces that operate on isolated populations with little to no gene flow/migration (Behavioral Projects). Morphological Character Analysis I am currently looking at levels of inter- and intra-populational variation of morphological characters for the three L. mackloti clades. We are collecting morphomeasurements (mainly scale counts) from live and preserved specimens from each of the five populations we are currently investigating. I am also interested in detecting the presence of sensory receptor clusters on the dorsal surface of females using light microscopy and SEM techniques. Our behavioral experiments demonstrate that males will target a certain patch of skin on a conspecific female during pelvic spurring courtship trials. Interestingly, the location of pelvic spurring appears to be uniform within populations (intrapopulation), and quite variable between populations (interpopulation) relative to the three clades detected using mtDNA analysis. This data will be used in conjunction with the other character analyses to create a robust phylogeny for this group and resolve this potential species complex (Morphological Related Projects). Biological Criteria Assessment We are currently using various indices of biotic integrity (e.g. IBI), for both macroinvertebrates and fish species, to measure a range of attributes of organism assemblages, and ultimately to evaluate stream order health relative to potential human perturbation (e.g. siltation, chemical pollutants) in the general northeast Ohio basin. These techniques can help us identify and monitor various aspects of how aquatic communities respond to these oftentimes human induced changes. We primarily use the biocriteria assessment models presented by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to calculate IBI values and to establish maximum species richness curves for various streams in the Stark County, Ohio region. This data will then be used to monitor both natural and unnatural changes in water quality using biological indicators (e.g. fish and macroinvertebrates). These field screening methods provide substantially more economic approaches to the traditionally expensive alternatives such as sediment and water collection followed by subsequent chemical testing. Biocriteria assessments have the unique advantage in that a large number of streams can be monitored rapidly and without expensive costs. Utilitizing the IBI and other models to investigate stream health can help regulators then target and prioritize the streams that do require additional chemical testing so that potential remediation efforts can be evaluated (Biocriteria Assessment Projects). Ontogenetic Shift in Foraging Strategies in Crocodilians We are currently investigating the use of chemosensory mechanisms to detect prey during foraging events in several different crocodilian species, and to determine whether or not the use of chemosensory mechanisms undergo perceptual sharpening with age. Other researchers (Daphne Soares) have elucidated the use of receptors used by crocodilians to pick up prey-induced water vibrations, however there has been little done on the chemosensory mechanisms used by crocodilians, and more importantly, at what point in their life they switch from visual/vibratory modalities as juveniles to underwater chemosensory (coupled with visual/vibratory) detection as subadults and adults. Many crocodilians will use lateral sweeping movements of their head with gaped jaws while underwater during foraging, and it appears that this directional movement helps the crocodilian not only find prey, but to orient toward the prey as well. Most hatchling crocodilians appear to mainly use visual/vibratory modalitites for prey detection, often feeding on small aquatic macroinvertebrates and opportunistically on other invertebrate and vertebrate prey. This project is being collaborated between myself, Hannah Kang (undergraduate student at Malone College) and Bob Moffitt of Malone College. We will be conducting ex-situ laboratory based experimentation to elucidate the chemosensory mechanisms. Caudal Luring in Response to Satiation on Snakes We are currently interested in the role of satiation in triggering or inhibiting caudal luring in various boids and vipers. We have observed preliminarily in dumerils boas that neonates will increase the frequency of caudal luring when feeding intervals are increased, and will inhibit this behavior when prey are frequently available and the snakes are well fed. There is no doubt that caudal luring increases predator risks, and it would be adaptive to reduce this risk when prey is abundant, and perhaps increase the risk of predation by caudal luring when food is scarce to avoid starvation. We are conducting laboratory-based experiments to study the role of satiation on caudal luring. We are also looking at elucidating the various sensory mechanisms used by eastern massasauga neonates during caudal luring. Behavioral Ecology of the Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) We are currently studying the behavioral ecology of the massasauga rattlesnake in Trumbull County, Ohio. Specifically, we are studying the behavioral, population, reproductive, feeding, thermal, and spatial ecology of this species of special concern. We are in the process of pit-tagging snakes and using radio-telemetry to track and establish home range sizes. More information to follow. Additional Research: In addition to the above projects, my lab also has several Malone College undergraduate student research opportunities looking at innate pheromone trailing responses in naive pythons to demonstrate maternal/paternal trailing specificity responses, interpopulation (and intersexual) pheromone chemical variation in Liasis mackloti ssp. (in conjunction with Dr. Jeff Goff, jgoff@malone.edu), natural history and conservation management of the eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) and phylogeographic study of the copperhead (Agkistrodon c. contortrix, A. c. laticinctus, A. c. mokeson, and A. c. phaeogaster and P. c. pictigaster). We are also currently investigating the role of environmental enrichment in various cognitive processes. REPRESENTATIVE PUBLICATIONS: Carmichael, C. K., B. R. Kreiser, D. G. Barker, T. J. Barker, and J. C. Gillingham. 2007. Pheromone trailing of the Indonesian water python (Liasis mackloti ssp.) based on homotypic and heterotypic pairings. Ed. Robert Henderson in "Biology of the Boas and Pythons". Eagle Publishing.
Carmichael, C. K., B. R. Kreiser, and D. Barker. 2003. Phylogeography of the freckled python (Liasis mackloti) of Indonesia's Lesser Sundas Archipelago based on multiple character analyses. The Ohio Journal of Science 103 (1): 25.
Carmichael, C. K. and J. C. Gillingham. 1989. Dietary analysis of the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) on Stephens Island, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 1989, Vol. 16: 269. Gillingham, J. C., C. K. Carmichael, and T. J. Miller. 1995. Social behavior of the tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus. Herpetological Monographs 9: 5-16. CURRENT RESEARCH BEING COMPLETED/PUBLISHED: Carmichael, C. K., J. C. Gillingham, and S. A. Kaell. The feeding ecology of the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) in two different ecological zones on Stephens Island, New Zealand: a model study for demonstrating ecological impacts following human perturbation. Carmichael, C. K., T. J. Barker, and J. C. Gillingham. A comparative study of pheromone trailing specificity between two sympatric species of short-tailed pythons, Python curtus and Python brongersmai, on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. Carmichael, C. K., S. A. Kaell, and J. C. Gillingham. The feeding ecology of a newly described tuatara (Sphenodon guntheri) on Brothers Island, New Zealand. C. K. Carmichael and J. C. Gillingham. Territoriality and social behavior of the green-spotted skink (Leiolopisma lineoocellatum) on Brothers Island, New Zealand. Carmichael, C. K. Reproductive physiology and ethology of the tokay gecko (Gecko gekko). Carmichael, C. K., J. C. Gillingham, and B. R. Kreiser. Characterization of a potential relict population of the six-lined racerunner (Cnemidopherus sexlineatus) in Michigan. Carmichael, C. K. Basking site fidelity in the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) on Beaver Island, Michigan. Gillingham, J. C. and C. K. Carmichael. Thermoregulatory behavior and sun-patch use in the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) on Stephens Island, New Zealand. PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
MALONE COLLEGE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES: Malone College undergraduates majoring in biology and related fields have numerous opportunities to gain invaluable experience prior to graduation. Within the environmental track, for example, students have unique research possibilities through the Stark County Park District, with a number of internship, independent project, and volunteer positions available. Malone College faculty will help guide and foster research opportunities to those that are interested. For additional information, please visit the following links: Stark County Park District and Undergraduate Research Opportunities.
ZOO BIOLOGY MAJOR AND CLUB AT MALONE COLLEGE:
We are honored to offer you a new major, B.A. Zoo Biology, in collaboration with the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. For more information, please go to: www.malone.edu/4143. I also recommend that all students majoring in our new Zoo Biology major, or anybody from the Canton community, with an interest in the environment and conservation, please consider being a part of Malone College's Zoo Biology Club. We are in the process of putting this club together, but the overall theme will be to: 1) educate members about current issues that influence the use and care of our natural resources, 2) educate members about the importance of conservation, preservation, restoration, and biodiversity; and 3) to discuss bioethical questions pertaining to zoos, animal care, and animal enrichment. Our immediate goals are to start a campus-wide wildlife enhancement program. We have plans to do off campus activities, invite speakers, and tour various zoological parks throughout the greater Ohio area. It is our hope that people will have a more personal interest in evaluating impacts to our environment, and then are challenged to do something about it. For more information, or if you are interested in "joining the club", you may contact Chris Carmichael at ccarmichael@malone.edu. PROSPECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS INTERESTED IN BIOLOGY:
If you are a high school student interested in the biological sciences and looking for a challenging academic program, and numerous opportunities to gain invaluable research and professional experience, and work directly with Malone College faculty, I welcome you to take a serious look at Malone College. We have exceptional laboratory and field site facilities for classes and research, a low student-to-faculty ratio, and an exceptional library that has direct access to common and hard-to-find scientifically peer reviewed journals (Malone College Library Home Page). Please feel free to contact the following by discipline (these are major disciplines and not meant to be all inclusive):
We would all enjoy the opportunity to meet you and your family. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a time to come by for a visit, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can also set up a comprehensive tour of Malone College by contacting John Chopka at jchopka@malone.edu (330-471-8150) who will also make sure you have a chance to visit any departments/faculty of interest. It would be our sincere privilege to get to know you and find out more about your interests. ADDITIONAL LINKS: Environmental Science and Planning, LLC |
