Mark Laidre

Mark Laidre is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Dartmouth College, focusing on behavioral ecology and evolutionary biology. His research explores how architecture shapes social cooperation among non-kin organisms, particularly through shell-based housing markets in terrestrial hermit crabs (Coenobita compressus). The author of over 25 peer-reviewed publications, Laidre investigates coalition formation, sensory adaptation, and evolutionary trade-offs in social systems.

Research Expertise

• Behavioral ecology of social invertebrates
• Evolutionary consequences of architectural modification
• Collective behavior and resource competition
• Sensory-driven social dynamics

Key Contributions

Laidre developed a theoretical framework explaining coalition stability in hermit crabs through architectural constraints. His work demonstrates how shell size hierarchies resolve 'splitting the spoils' problems via sequential resource inheritance. He also pioneered experimental methods to quantify eviction biomechanics and social cognition in crustaceans.

Academic Background

• Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University
• M.Phil. in Zoology from University of Cambridge
• B.S. in Biological Sciences from Cornell University