Gil Rosenthal

Boston University Marine Program
Ph.D. (Zoology), University of Texas at Austin, 2000

Animal communication, behavioral ecology, evolutionary biology, ichthyology

My principal research goal is to address the diversity of systems animals use to communicate with one another, both at the level of proximate mechanisms and in an evolutionary sense. Effectively, I am asking how the biotic and abiotic environment shapes the relationship between a communication signal and its receiver. Research in my laboratory takes an integrative approach, combining field observations and measurements of communication parameters with laboratory analyses of behavioral, physiological, and molecular mechanisms. We use a range of techniques in the field and in the lab, including video playback of computer animations, spectroradiometry, and microspectrophotometry. My own primary focus is on visual communication in teleost fishes, but students in my laboratory can work on a broad range of systems and topics in behavioral ecology.

Current research focuses on three main systems: the evolution of male traits and female preferences in swordtails, freshwater fishes from central Mexico; and the role of environmental light conditions in shaping visual communication systems in tropical marine fishes. Details and research updates on my lab web page.

Rosenthal G. G., A. S. Rand, and M. J. Ryan 2004. The vocal sac as a visual cue in anuran communication: an experimental analysis using video playback. Anim. Behav. 68: 55-58.

Rosenthal G. G., X. F. de la Rosa Reyna, S. Kazianis, D. Morizot, M. Stephens, M. J. Ryan, and F. J. Garcia de Leon 2003. Dissolution of sexual signaling complexes in a swordtail hybrid zone. Copeia 2003: 299-307.

Cummings ME, Rosenthal GG, Ryan MJ. 2003. A private ultraviolet channel in visual communication. Proc R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. May 7;270(1518):897-904.

Rosenthal, G.G., T. Y. Flores Martinez, F. J. Garcia de Leon, and M. J. Ryan 2001. Shared preferences by predators and females for male ornaments in swordtails. Am. Nat. 158: 146-154.

Ryan, M.J. and G. G. Rosenthal 2001. Variation and selection in swordtails. In: Model Systems in Behavioral Ecology, L. A. Dugatkin ed., Princeton University Press.

Rosenthal, G.G. 2000. Design considerations and techniques for constructing video stimuli. Acta Ethol. 3: 49-54.

Rosenthal, G.G. and M. J. Ryan 2000. Visual and acoustic communication in nonhuman animals: a comparison. J. Biosci. 25: 285-290.

Rosenthal, G.G. and C. S. Evans 1998. Female preference for swords in Xiphophorus helleri reflects a bias for large apparent size. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 95: 4431-4436.