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Research Interests
Current research in my laboratory involves analyses of complex vertebrate systems to further elucidate the evolution of vertebrate form and function. Our primary model for these investigations is the prey capture system of salamanders. Ongoing research by me and my graduate students includes studies on cranial mechanisms and relationships of salamanders, and interspecific variation of structure during amphibian ontogeny. Areas of general interest encompass evolutionary theory, functional morphology, development, ecomorphology and systematics. Students interested in working in my laboratory should have research interests in one or more of these areas.
Representative Publications
Hall, J. A., J. H. Larsen, Jr., and R. E. Fitzner. 1997. Postembryonic ontogeny of the spadefoot toad Scaphiopus intermontanus (Anura: Pelobatidae): External morphology. Herpetological Monographs 11: 124-178.
Larsen, J. H., Jr., J. T. Beneski and B. T. Miller. 1996. Structure and Function of the hyolingual system in Hynobius and its bearing on the evolution of prey capture in terrestrial salamanders. J. Morphol. 227: 235-248.
Beneski, J. T., J. H. Larsen, Jr., and B. T. Miller. 1995. Variation in the feeding kinematics of mole salamanders (Ambystomatidae: Ambystoma). Canadian J. Zool. 73:353-366