Department of Biology
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William H. Baltosser
Professor
(501) 569-3521
(501) 569-3271 (fax)
whbaltosser@ualr.edu
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Ph.D. (Biology) 1984 New Mexico State University
M.S. (Biology) 1979 New Mexico State University
B.A. (Zoology) 1975 Western New Mexico University
Research Interests
Molecular Biology, Systematics, and Evolution
Conservation Biology
Community and Population Ecology
Physiological and Behavioral Ecology
Molecular Biology, Systematics, and Evolution
My molecular research focuses on hummingbird species occurring throughout Mexico,
the United States, and Canada (currently 19 species / 11 genera). Examples of
specific questions under study include: (1) What is the nature of genetic
differentiation among the various taxa? (2) Are the patterns of genetic variation
and estimates of time since divergence among mitochondrial lineages consistent with
Cenozoic events? (3) How do levels of genetic differentiation compare with
morphological, ecological, and behavioral differences among species? The results of
this research are providing important insight and give perspective to a broad
spectrum of issues dealing with the evolutionary history of each species by
establishing the degree of relatedness among the various species and by testing
for "congruence" using independent data sets (i.e., morphological, behavioral, and
molecular). Additionally, many population-based questions require molecular-based
solutions.
Hummingbirds (family Trochilidae) are confined to the Western Hemisphere, with
the vast majority of species (between 325 to 360 species currently recognized,
depending upon the taxonomic source) occurring in subtropical and tropical areas
of Central and South America. The need for a total and exhaustive study of systematic
relationships within this group (with at least some taxonomic revisions) is exemplified
in a number of ways. For example, there are roughly 65 monotypic genera and
hybridization among different species has been documented on many occasions (often
between species placed in different genera). Given their spectacular radiation, there
are numerous suites of species that are "sister taxa" (i.e., each other's closest
living relatives), which enables the research to follow a logical and ever-informative
plan of investigation in that each can be approached independently, and then nested
within a broader evolutionary / taxonomic framework.
Conservation Biology
Investigations such as mine are grounded in both intellectual curiosity
(i.e., basic research) and conservation-based considerations (i.e., threats
to survival). Given that various species are in many ways very similar (i.e.,
take away their colorful feathers and most species converge on the same basic
morphology), a molecular approach to their phylogeny, supplemented with traditional
morphologic data, coupled with behavioral attributes, is viewed as the only
feasible way to investigate relationships, protect and preserve their habitats,
and manage for their survival. With regard to the latter, all species of
hummingbirds are included in Appendix II of the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The basis for
the inclusion of species in Appendix II is as follows: "(a) Includes all species
which although not necessarily currently threatened with extinction may become
so unless trade is subject to strict regulations; and (b) Other species which must
be subject to regulation in order that trade in certain specimens of species referred
to in subparagraph (a) above may be brought under effective control, i.e., species
similar in appearance."
Community and Population Ecology
My interest in community and population ecology stems from my desire to learn to
what extent various factors control the spatial/temporal occurrence and abundance
of species throughout their ranges. The relative importance of vicariant events,
environmental heterogeneity, competition, and predation to the evolution, coexistence,
and demography of local hummingbird populations is the central focus of this research.
The many papers that I have published on hummingbird identification and distribution
are essential "first steps" toward investigations aimed at studying the demography
and structure of specific populations. The ability to identify, age, and sex
individuals is critical. Establishing the range of a species, both current and
historical, is also important when examining the changing status of an organism.
My current molecular work is also a key component to this research, as one of the
primary objectives is to examine and characterize differences among select populations.
Physiological and Behavioral Ecology
Another component of my research includes physiological and behavioral investigations.
An example of this is my work on the insulation properties of hummingbird nests. This
research focuses on the insulation value that nests afford eggs and young. Comparisons
are made among sympatric species, among members of the same species, between successful
vs. unsuccessful nests, and between nests constructed early in the season (cool ambient
temperatures) vs. those constructed later in the season (warm ambient temperatures).
These data provide insight into the attentive patterns of nesting female hummingbirds,
which is another aspect of my research. Results of earlier investigations (see publication
38) show that attentive patterns are a compromise between conflicting demands, those of the
parent for self-maintenance after nocturnal fasting vs. those of developing embryos and
young. When compared to the findings of other investigators, these data show that there is
remarkable similarity among hummingbird species, whether one is talking about species that
nest in tropical, subtropical, or temperate habitats.
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Courses Taught
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Biometry (Biol. 5415 / 4415)
Ornithology (Biol. 5411 / 4411)
Advanced Field Biology (Biol. 5408 / 4408)
Statistics and Experimental Design (Biol. 5399 / 4399)
Wildlife Management Techniques (Biol. 4309)
Independent Studies (Biol. 4100-4300)
Senior Seminar (Biol. 4190)
Comparative Vertebrate Morphology (Biol. 3404)
Principles of Ecology Lecture (Biol. 3303)
Principles of Ecology Lab (Biol. 3103 - Taught as Quantitative Ecology)
Science of Biology (Biol. 1401)
Introductory Biology Lab (Biol. 1102)
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Recent Publications
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42. Baltosser, W. H. and S. M. Russell. 2000. Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri).In The Birds of North America (A. Poole and F. Gill, Eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, D.C.: The American Ornithologists' Union. In Press.
41. Baltosser, W. H., J. M. Bush, M. G. Kleve, and S. M. Post. 1998. Molecular systematics of hummingbirds occurring in northern Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Published abstract - 1998 North American Ornithological Conference. St. Louis, Missouri.
40. Baltosser, W. H. and P. E. Scott. 1996. Costa's Hummingbird (Calypte costae). In The Birds of North America (A. Poole and F. Gill, Eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, D.C.: The American Ornithologists' Union. 251:1-32.
39. Baltosser, W. H. 1996. Biostatistics to the third power. Book review of J. H. Zar's book entitled Biostatistical Analysis (3rd edition - 1996). Ecology 77: 2266-2267.
38. Baltosser, W. H. 1996. Nest attentiveness in hummingbirds. The Wilson Bulletin 108: 228-245.
37. Stone, K. D., G. A. Heidt, W. H. Baltosser, and P. T. Caster. 1996. Factors affecting nest box use by Southern Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys volans) and Gray Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis). The American Midland Naturalist 135: 9-13.
36. Baltosser, W. H. 1995. Annual molt in Ruby-throated and Black-chinned hummingbirds. The Condor 97: 484-491.
35. Elliston, E. P. and W. H. Baltosser. 1995. Sex ratios and bill growth in nesting Black-chinned Hummingbirds. Western Birds 26: 76-81
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Recent Presentations
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Molecular Systematics of Hummingbirds Occurring in northern Mexico, the United States, and Canada. 1998 North American Ornithological Conference. St. Louis, Missouri. (April 1998)
Hummingbird Energetics, Evolution, and Ecology. Invited presentation given to students and faculty at Ball State University. Muncie, Indiana. (March 1998)
Status of the Lucifer Hummingbird (Calothorax lucifer) Along the United States-Mexico Border. Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Association of Naturalists. University of Arkansas. Fayetteville, Arkansas. (April 1997)
Reproductive Biology of the Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis). (Kay Lynn Plummer and W. H. Baltosser). Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Association of Naturalists. University of Arkansas. Fayetteville, Arkansas. (April 1997)
Hummingbird Identification: A Hands-On Exercise. Invited presentation given at the First Annual Hummingbird Bander's Conference (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Bird Banding Lab). Hensley, Arkansas. (June 1995)
Hummingbirds. Featured speaker for the 1996 annual membership drive meeting of the Audubon Society of Central Arkansas. Little Rock, Arkansas. (March 1996)
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Recent Grants
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19. Optimization of Forensic Molecular Techniques: Fine-tuning of Non-lethal Biological Sampling Procedures. U.A.L.R. Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. (January 1998)
18. Dean's Travel Grant. Competitive proposal for travel expenses to attend The North American Ornithological Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. (January 1998)
17. Hummingbird Phylogeny: The Descent and Diversity of the Smallest Birds (Mitochondrial DNA Analysis). Co-principal investigators Drs. John M. Bush and Maurice G. Kleve. U.A.L.R. Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. (January 1996)
16. Library Acquisition Grant. Funds received from the Arkansas Audubon Society Trust to assist in the purchase of The Birds of North America. (October 1995)
15. Ottenheimer Library Collection Development. I wrote the proposal and supplied the justification, along with support from outside groups (e.g., see # 16 above), to acquire The Birds of North America series (18 volume set, published by the American Ornithologists' Union and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia). (September 1995)
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Research in Progress
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The major emphasis of my current research focuses on the molecular systematics and
evolution of the hummingbird species shown below. The inclusion of swifts (the
nearest relatives to hummingbird, though distant) in the analysis is a logical line
of investigation, with evolutionary as well as practical importance (i.e.,
"out-groups"/"rooting of trees" in some phylogenetic comparisons). At present, the
following genera are of the highest priority, though numerous additional species and
genera from throughout Latin America are constantly being added: Cynanthus, Hylocharis,
Amazilia, Lampornis, Eugenes, Calothorax, Archilochus, Calypte, Stellula, Selasphorus.
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Professional Service
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Associate Editor - Birds (March 1999 - Present) The Southwestern Association of Naturalists
See the following: www.emporia.edu/swan
Budget Oversight Committee (March 1997 - Present) The Southwestern Association of Naturalists
Board of Governors (April 1994 - April 1997) The Southwestern Association of Naturalists
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Professional Societies
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American Ornithologists' Union (Washington, D.C.)
Association of Field Ornithologists
Cooper Ornithological Society
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
Society of Western Field Ornithologists
Southwestern Association of Naturalists
The Neotropical Ornithological Society
The Wildlife Society (National and State Chapters)
The Wilson Ornithological Society
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UALR Vertebrate Museum
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Curator - Avian Collections (skins, skeletons, and tissues)
Federal Permits:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (PRT-703509-0 and MB703509-0)
U.S.D.A. veterinary permit for the importation and transport of controlled material and organisms and vectors, i.e., avian tissue samples (No. 45966)
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Graduate Study
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Individuals seeking admission into newly forming graduate programs in Biology
(M.A. and M.S.) and Applied Biosciences (Ph.D.), and who want me to serve as their
major advisor, should submit directly to me a detailed C.V., transcripts (unofficial
copies are acceptable), Graduate Record Exam scores (general and biology), and a
letter stating interests, goals, and why you have selected U.A.L.R. Given my present
research goals, I am particularly interested in students who are fluent in
Spanish/English and have spent time in Latin America.
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