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	Alexandra Morgan Class (aka Pika/Siete colores/Alexa)

Alexandra Morgan Class

(aka Pika/Siete colores/Alexa)

Currently:

Biological interests/ PhD synopsis:

I am intrigued by animal behavior and hormonal (endocrine) mechanisms driving behaviors. I am particularly fascinated by tropical ecosystems and cues used by tropical species to predict favorable times to reproduce. I passionately focus my studies on wild birds because I have studied them instinctually for as long as I can remember.

Very little data concerning tropical endocrinology and reproductive behavior of birds exists for tropical species, despite the fact that they are the majority of species on earth (Stutchbury and Morton 2001). Prior research with Zonotrichia in temperate America, and with tropical birds in general, peaked my interest in tropical reproductive cycles and in comparing tropical and temperate systems.

Very little data concerning tropical endocrinology and reproductive behavior of birds exists for tropical species, despite the fact that they are the majority of species on earth (Stutchbury and Morton 2001). Prior research with Zonotrichia in temperate America, and with tropical birds in general, peaked my interest in tropical reproductive cycles and in comparing tropical and temperate systems.

My research investigates reproductive, behavioral and hormonal cycles in equatorial birds. Specifically, I study an ecuatorial species of Zonotrichia (Zonotrichia capensis) which ranges from Chiapas, Mexico to Cabo de Hornos, Chile. I conduct my research in patches of grazing pasture and second-growth between intact cloud forest in the Eastern Andes (~2200m), Ecuador.

Recently I have focused research on understanding teritoriality in Z. capensis. Equatorial birds existing in less seasonal environments can potentially reproduce at all times of the year; however, there may be peaks in reproductive efforts. Understanding both the timing and territoriality of this species can allow us to narrow our predictions about natural variables which may be important cues driving reproduction. Much of our knowledge about why and how seasonality occurs is still speculative because of the lack of research aimed at strictly tropical species or latitudinal comparisons.

Habitat & Environment

Feildwork often involves extensive behavioral observation of pairs of birds to assess behavior and reproductive state of pairs and of the population as a whole. Tools I routinely use to understand the behavior and reproductive condition of Z. capensis are mist netting, recording individuals singing, simulated territorial intrusions with a decoy, and blood-sampling for reproductive and stress hormones.

	Example of Z. capensis habitat (pasture running into second-growth forest), note the brooding storm typical of most days
	Each morning I rapidly string up a series of mist nets. This is an example of how fine the nets are (poles supporting this net denoted with yellow arrows). Birds fall into loose "buckets" made by extra net material along each section line.
	Rainbows are a common phenomenon worth watching. Nevertheless they roll back into the mist as quickly as they appear...Here heavily grazed grasses collide with primary forest. Ideal spot to catch Z. capensis!

Example of Z. capensis habitat (pasture running into second-growth forest), note the brooding storm typical of most days

Each morning I rapidly string up a series of mist nets. This is an example of how fine the nets are (poles supporting this net denoted with yellow arrows). Birds fall into loose "buckets" made by extra net material along each section line.

Rainbows are a common phenomenon worth watching. Nevertheless they roll back into the mist as quickly as they appear...Here heavily grazed grasses collide with primary forest. Ideal spot to catch Z. capensis!

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My Art :

Besides my dedication to science, I am a dedicated artist. Though I do descriptve/ illustrative drawing, I chase after emotion and human experience through abstract art. I prefer to work in multimedia (e.g. combining monotype printing, painting, sculpture, photography with installation) and in multiple dimensions. My artistic influences are broad. My work as a biologist has certainly shaped my art. Artists Rothko, O'Keefe, Dubuffet & Matisse, Goldsworthy have influenced my perspective. I also have a passion for ephemeral performance art, as a means to show what can not be said, written or painted especially work by Anna Mendieta.

CLICK ^^@@@@*****@@@@^^for examples of my work...

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