Beth MacDougall-ShackletonWestern Science
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    Team SOSP 2014 [Photo by T. Kelly]:

    Team SOSP 2014 [Photo by T. Kelly]

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    My ornaments are expressed through other modalities:

    My ornaments are expressed through other modalities

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    Is it hot in here? [Photo by T. Kelly]:

    Is it hot in here? [Photo by T. Kelly]

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    6-day-old song sparrow [Photo by D. Potvin]:

    6-day-old song sparrow [Photo by D. Potvin]

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    Photo by S. Kubli:

    Photo by S. Kubli

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    Photo by T. Kelly:

    Photo by T. Kelly

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    Sunrise in the field [Photo by T. Kelly]:

    Sunrise in the field [Photo by T. Kelly]

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    Set phasers to "Stunning".:

    Set phasers to "Stunning".

Evolutionary Ecology of Songbirds

With natural habitats and populations becoming increasingly fragmented by human activities, it is critical to understand the factors that maintain or erode genetic diversity. My research integrates approaches and insights from evolutionary and behavioural ecology, ecophysiology, and ecological immunology to develop hypotheses about the roles of infectious disease and sexual selection in maintaining genetic variation in the wild.

To accomplish these goals, my students and I use cutting-edge immune and genetic assays combined with intensive fieldwork on songbirds. Much of our research centres around a long term study population of song sparrows, breeding near the Queen's University Biological Station. We also benefit from the unique facilities at Western's Advanced Facility for Avian Research.

Contact Information

Beth MacDougall-Shackleton, Ph.D.

Professor, Department of Biology

Office: Biological & Geological Sciences 3046. (519) 661-2111 x 81206
Lab: Biological & Geological Sciences 3059
emacdoug@uwo.ca
Twitter: @Beth_macshack