Randy Morrison

Randy Morrison is a Professor of Biology at McDaniel College, specializing in herpetology and tropical biology. His research explores the ecological and cellular mechanisms behind color change in lizards, with fieldwork conducted in the Bahamas and Madagascar. Dr. Morrison integrates his research into courses like Cell Biology, Vertebrate Diversity, and Evolution, while leading student trips for tropical marine studies.

• 1993 Ph.D., University of Kansas
• 1988 M.S., University of Nebraska, Lincoln
• 1985 B.S., University of Dayton

His research combines ecological studies of color adaptation with cellular-level analysis of chromatophore structures. Projects focus on thermal sensitivity, bird-call-induced color shifts, and biodiversity in island ecosystems. Publications highlight studies on curly-tailed lizards, Anolis sagrei, and Sceloporus morphs.

Recent work trends include physiological color mechanisms, evolutionary drivers of polymorphism, and tropical field biology. Dr. Morrison supervises student research in Madagascar through Operation Wallacea and teaches field-based courses in the Bahamas.

• Herpetology Field Supervisor, Operation Wallacea (Madagascar)