Evolution and ecology of functional morphology, especially feeding mechanisms of fishes and other vertebrates; locomotion; phenotypic plasticity; complexity; diversity. Evolution and ecology of vertebrate biomechanics.

Wainwright, P. C., W. L. Smith, S. A. Price, K. L. Tang, L. A. Ferry-Graham, J. S. Sparks and T. J. Near. In Press. The evolution of pharyngognathy: a phylogenetic and functional appraisal of the pharyngeal jaw key innovation in labroid fishes and beyond. Systematic Biology. Holzman, R., Collar, D. C., Mehta, R. S. & P. C. Wainwright. 2012. An integrative approach to elucidate suction feeding performance. Journal of Experimental Biology. 215:1-13. Holzman, R. S., D. C. Collar, R. S. Mehta & P. C. Wainwright. 2011. Mechanical complexity can mitigate evolutionary trade-offs. American Naturalist. 177:E69-E83. Price, S. A., Holzman, R., Near, T. J. & Wainwright, P. C. 2011. Coral reefs promote the evolution of morphological diversity and ecological novelty in labrid fishes. Ecology Letters. 14:462-469.