Science Seminar: Dr. Adrian Smith

Adrian Smith, Ph.D.

Head, Evolutionary Biology & Behavior Research Lab
Nature Research Center, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Research Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University

Bugs in Action: Insect Behavior in the Lab and on YouTube

Most of the fastest animals on earth are arthropods. They swing their appendages, snap their jaws, and propel their bodies by using latch-mediated and spring-actuated mechanisms. But because of their small size, cryptic lifestyles, the behaviors of many of these fast-moving organisms remain undescribed. Here I present my work on the spring-loaded movements and behaviors of trap- and snap-jaws ants, a lined flat bark beetle, and several species of collembola. In addition, I present research on how we, as scientists, might better communicate this and other types of work to a public audience through online media.

About Dr. Smith