Douglas J. Emlen

Emlen is an exceptionally broad scientist with diverse publications in development, evolution, phylogenetics, ecology, genetics, endocrinology, physiology, behavior and entomology. His primary research focus is the development and evolution of exaggerated male weaponry, such as the horns found in scarab beetles. He shows how altered expression of appendage patterning genes contributes to species differences in the shape of horns, and how the insulin receptor (InR) pathway modulates the size of male weapons in response to larval nutritional environment. His integrated approach has led to general conclusions concerning aggression, from insects to humans, which promise to open new avenues of research.