Chris Hofmann

Research Interests

My research focuses on the evolution of visual communication.  Currently I am studying visual communication at two levels - both at the level of the sensory system and the signal.  For my work studying the sensory system, I am investigating the genetic factors that control visual sensitivity in the retina.  To do this we look at the expression of genes that determine the wavelengths of light that cone photoreceptors are sensitive to.  My work studying signals has focused on patterns of color evolution.  To do this I use phylogenies (trees) to reconstruct evolutionary changes in color that have occurred across species.  My work has wider implications for understanding speciation, sexual selection, adaptation, and the genetics of sensory systems. 

This page is new and under construction and will hopefully be functioning soon. 

To see my thesis research go here:  thesis research .