XIMENA BERNAL

Professor
765-494-0127
LILY G-347
xbernal@purdue.edu

Associated website(s):

PROFESSIONAL FACULTY RESEARCH

Sensory Ecology, Behavioral Ecology, Biodiversity, Anthropogenic effects, and Predator-prey interactions

BIO

In our research group, we focus on understanding two related but different ecological topics: i) how natural enemies shape animal communication systems, and ii) human impacts on communication networks. We investigate anurans (frogs and toads) and their eavesdropping enemies (frog-biting midges and frog-eating bats) as they provide ideal opportunities to understand these phenomena. Due to their highly vocal behavior, and their central role in trophic networks, they are at the core of many communication networks where eavesdropping predators are common. Frogs and the enemies that exploit their signals thus provide a robust, tractable system to address questions about signal function and evolution. In addition, anurans are the taxonomic group with the highest proportion of species threatened with extinction. We thus aim to understand their responses to novel, anthropogenic challenges such as traffic noise, habitat fragmentation, and introduction to new locations.

We are also committed to broadening participation in science. We are involved in developing and supporting efforts to increase the participation of scientists from historically marginalized groups. We actively support undergraduate and graduate education efforts to promote inclusion and equity. Our lab is an inclusive, diverse environment where all are appreciated and given a chance to fully participate as our authentic selves.