I am an evolutionary biologist with a passion for animal forms and colors. My research focuses on the relationship between the structure and function of phenotypic traits. I follow an integrative approach, using optics, computer simulations, field biology and phylogenetic comparative methods to investigate how animal colors (in particular structural) are produced, how they change over time and the functions they serve.
I also have a deep interest in the role of the environment on shaping morphological and functional diversity in vertebrate eggs, which I investigate in birds and reptiles.
Keywords
Iridescence, melanin, feather development, comparative analyses, paleocolor, nesting ecology, egg coloration, eggshell structure.
Researchinterest
The main question that drives my research is why do we see such remarkable diversity in animal forms and color. In particular I focus on the evolution of animal coloration and vertebrate eggs.
One central aspect of my research is that I focus on nanostructures. So what are nanostructures? Looking closely at an iridescent feather of a hummingbird one would notice the different branches that compose the feather, and inside them, is a complex network of protein and air and also numerous dark organelles named melanosomes, which containing melanin (a very important pigment for life). Both of these components are nanostructures, which can have diverse configurations resulting in very interesting functions including the production of some of the most brilliant colors in nature.
Currenttopics
A selection of the topics I am working on currently.
Diversity of egg forms and nesting ecology in reptiles
Evolution and function of animal coloration
Keypublications
- Debruyn G., Geltmeyer J., Schoolaert E., Wynant M., Shawkey M.D., DeClerck K., D’Alba L. 2024 The hydric environment shapes reptile eggshell absorption and chemical composition. Integrative and Comparative Biology. https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/icae040
- Nicolaï MPJ, Vanisterbecq R., Shawkey MD, Liliana, D’Alba L. 2023 Back in black: melanin-rich skin colour associated with increased net diversification rates in birds. Biology Letters. 19: 20230304
- D’Alba L., Goldenberg J., Nallapaneni A., Parkinson D., Zhu C., Vanthournout B. and Shawkey M.D. 2021. Evolution of eggshell structure in relation to nesting ecology in non-avian reptiles. Journal of Morphology. 282 (7):1066-1079. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmor.21347
- D’Alba L. Meadows M. Maia M. Yeo J.S., Manceau M. and Shawkey M.D. Morphogenesis of iridescent feathers in Anna’s hummingbird Calypte anna. Integrative and Comparative Biology. 61(4):1502–1510. https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/icab123
- Nicolai M., Shawkey, M.D., Porchetta S. and D’Alba, L. 2020. Exposure to irradiance as a predictor of repeated evolution of concealed black skin color in birds. Nature Communications 11:2414. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-15894-6
- D’Alba, L., Wang B. Vanthournout B. Shawkey M.D. 2019. The golden age of arthropods: ancient mechanisms of color production on body scales. Journal of the Royal Society Interface. 16(159), p.20190366
- D’Alba L., M.D. Shawkey. 2018. Melanosomes: Biogenesis, properties, and evolution of an ancient organelle. Physiological Reviews (invited review): 99(1):1-19
- D’Alba L., Maia R., Shawkey M.D. 2016 Evolution of avian eggshell structure in relation to nesting ecology. Proceedings of the Royal Society B. 283(1836): p.20160687. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2016.0687
- Clarke J.A., Ksepka D., Salas-Gismondi R., Altamirano A.J., Shawkey M.D., D’Alba L., Vinther J., DeVries J. Baby P. 2010. Fossil evidence for evolution of the shape and color of penguin feathers. Science 330: 954-957
- Li, Q., J. A. Clarke, K. Gao, C. Zhou, Q. Meng, D. Li, L. D’Alba and M.D. Shawkey. 2014 Melanosome evolution indicates a key physiological shift within feathered dinosaurs. Nature. 507(7492): 350-353. doi:10.1038/nature12973
For a full list of my publications see my Google profile
PhDsupervision
Naturalis aims to be a breeding ground for international scientific talent. Therefore, PhD's have a special position in our organisation.
- Gerben Debruyn
- Jessica Dobson
- Arne Desmet
- Ella Kennedy
Former students
Teachingactivities
I teach the following topics at Ghent University:
Introduction to Biomimicry
In theMedia
A selection of recent media coverage of my research
Interview Quest Magazine 2024: Een vogel met een voetenfetisj: de blauwvoetgent https://www.quest.nl/natuur/dieren/a60533338/blauwvoetgent/
Interview New Scientist International 2023: Waarom we onbehaarde apen zijn geworden https://www.newscientist.nl/nieuws/waarom-we-onbehaarde-apen-zijn-geworden/
Tangram Podcast 2023: Over the Rainbow - how do we study the colors from the past? (in french) https://podcast.ausha.co/tangram/8-over-the-rainbow
Research highlight BioNews 2023: Melanin geeft veel glans aan het leven
Panel discussion PSL Université Paris 2022: Structural colors applied to arts https://psl.eu/en/events/seminar-research-chair-beauty-studies
