Animal Behavior

Step Outside: Investigating the Life History of the Laurel Dace through a Surrogate Species

MS student and Tennessee Aquarium employee Shawna Fix explains how studying the life history of a closely related species gives scientists more information on the endangered Laurel Dace. Listen to…

Step Outside: Prevention and Mitigation of a Dangerous Amphibian Pathogen

In this episode of Step Outside, David Carter and Adri Tompros discuss their research on Bsal, a recently discovered pathogen that eats away at amphibian skin. Bsal has been found across Europe, and Davis and Adri are part of a concerted effort to prevent further spread and transmission in the US.

Step Outside: Can Native Grasses Benefit Bobwhite Populations?

In this episode, PhD student Doug Mitchell explains how replacing fescue with native warm-season grasses could benefit bobwhite populations across the Southeast.

Researchers Find that Experimental Methodologies Affect Pathogenicity of Bsal Fungus

With the recent discovery of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) in Europe, numerous studies are attempting to understand its pathogenicity, and hopefully, ward off infections in other locations. However, there is no standard set of methodologies for studying the pathogen.

Step Outside: Elk Reintroduction in East Tennessee

In this episode of Step Outside, we’re taking an interdisciplinary dive into exploring public perceptions, trust, and confidence in Tennessee’s elk reintroduction program with PhD student Cristina Watkins. Listen to…

Step Outside: Cover Crops and Avian Populations

In this episode of “Step Outside,” masters student Brittany Panos tells us how plating agricultural fields with cover crops, instead of allowing them to fallow, many benefit many bird species.

Step Outside: Learning about Staging and Swarming in Bats

In this episode of “Step Outside,” we learn about spring staging and fall swarming of two white-nose syndrome-sensitive bat species. Our special guest is graduate student Malloy Tate, who tells…