Ryan Taylor

Dr. Ryan Taylor is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Salisbury University, where he leads the Taylor-Hunter Lab focused on evolutionary biology and animal communication. His research examines how cognitive perception and individual behavior drive the evolution of complex multimodal signals in animals, with particular emphasis on anuran species. His laboratory utilizes innovative approaches including robotic frog models (robofrogs) and field experiments to study communication dynamics.

Research Focus

Dr. Taylor investigates:

• Evolution of multimodal signaling systems in animal communication
• Cognitive mechanisms underlying signal perception and mate choice
• Impact of environmental complexity on communication efficacy
• Lek mating behaviors and spatial dynamics in frogs
• Predator-prey interactions influencing signal evolution

Education & Outreach

Developed K-12 educational materials including a frog acoustic communication lesson and contributed to amphibian conservation curriculum in Panama. Maintains species databases with vocalizations, images, and range maps for research accessibility.

Student Advising

Current and former students include:

• Derek Coss (MSc student)
• Matt Murphy (PhD student, University of Arkansas)
• Megan (Faculty at Indiana University)

Laboratory Operations

The Taylor-Hunter Lab utilizes radio telemetry with miniaturized transmitters for tracking frog movements and stationary receiver arrays for passive monitoring. Research addresses fundamental questions about metapopulation dynamics relevant to conservation planning.