THE GOYES LAB AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
Studying exceptions to understand the rules of frog mating systems and behaviors
We venture to remote and rugged locations on the quest for new behaviors in frog reproduction. We study little-known species that challenge our assumptions about mating behaviors and sexual selection.
Our goal is to study the exceptions to better understand the rules that explain the evolution of mate choice, mating systems, and parental care.
OUR RESEARCH
We study the evolution of parental care and mating systems using rare and elusive frog species. Our work not only uncovers fascinating insights into their behavior and ecology but often challenges conventional wisdom about sex roles and behaviors.
Our discoveries offer a window into understanding the complex dynamics of mating systems in amphibians. Moreover, they shake up traditional perceptions, prompting us to question what is considered “conventional.” Through our work, we encourage open-mindedness and foster new ways of thinking, not just about frogs but also about our approach to research.
THEMES IN OUR WORK
01: SEX ROLES AND SEX ROLE REVERSAL
Which sex is the chooser and which sex competes? And what are the ecological and evolutionary forces at play? We study a unique case of sex-role reversal in frogs to understand how the exceptions define the rule.
02: PARENTAL CARE STRATEGIES AND BEHAVIORAL DECISIONS IN FROGS
How do parents determine when and where to breed and how much care to provide? Using frogs as study system, we study these choices and their consequences for offspring life history and survival.
03: SEXUAL DIMORPHISM AND THE EVOLUTION OF ORNAMENTS
What are the selective pressures driving weapons and ornaments in animals? How do these traits differ between sexes? Our research explores these questions by examining the variation in morphological traits across males and females.
ABOUT THE LAB
We travel to remote, wild, and pristine rainforests across the globe to observe frog behavior in their natural habitat. We tackle novel questions about animal mating systems, mate choice, sexual selection, and parental care.
As a Hispanic woman-led lab, we strive to recruit students from historically underrepresented groups in STEM and embrace a culture of inclusion and belonging fundamental for a successful academic experience.
NEWS
This is the place to catch up on all the exciting things happening in and outside the lab! From student achievements and research milestones to field updates and upcoming events, we share the highlights, announcements, and behind-the-scenes moments that make our work so rewarding.
If you're interested in joining the lab, we'll post any upcoming opportunities here, so stay tuned!
Follow @goyeslab
WHY THIS WORK MATTERS
Frogs are disappearing.
The world has lost at least 200 frog species since the 1970s, and hundreds more teeter on the brink of extinction.
We study reproductive ecology in lesser-known frog species, many of which display behaviors that have yet to be documented. By studying these often-overlooked species, we aim to highlight the critical importance of ecological, behavioral, and natural history studies for understanding and conserving biodiversity.