Evolution, ecology, animal behavior, ornithology and systematics. Using field studies and genetic techniques (e.g. DNA sequencing, microsatellites, and DNA fingerprinting) to study evolutionary questions. In particular, how ecological and phylogenetic factors influence the evolution and maintenance of behavioral patterns (e.g. parental investment, mating system, mate choice) and life-history characteristics.
Eimes, John, Bollmer, Jennifer, Johnson, Jeff, Whittingham, Linda A., van Oosterhout, Cock, and Dunn, Peter O.“Rapid loss of MHC class II variation in a bottlenecked population is explained by drift and loss of copy number variation” Journal of Evolutionary Biology24.9 (2011): 1847-1856.
Petersen, M., Dunn, Peter O., and Whittingham, Linda A.“Extra-territorial forays are related to a male ornamental trait in common yellowthroats” Animal Behaviour72. (2006): 479-486.