M. M. Humphries

Coat color mismatch improves survival of a keystone boreal herbivore: energetic advantages exceed lost camouflage

This study finds that coat color mismatch in snowshoe hares reduces autumn mortality risk due to energetic advantages from insulation and lower metabolic rates, despite reduced camouflage.

Red squirrels mitigate costs of territory defence through social plasticity

The paper shows red squirrels adjust territorial behavior based on neighbor familiarity, but cross-sectional data may not reliably capture this plasticity.

Red squirrel territorial vocalizations deter intrusions by conspecific rivals

This study tests whether red squirrel rattles deter conspecific intrusions, finding a 34% reduction in intrusion probability and increased latency to intrusion when rattles were broadcasted.

Individual variation in the dear enemy phenomenon via territorial vocalizations in red squirrels

The study investigates how red squirrels use vocalizations to discriminate territorial neighbors, finding no difference in intrusion risk but variation in intruder identity.

Multilevel And Sex-Specific Selection On Competitive Traits In North American Red Squirrels

The paper quantifies multilevel and sex-specific natural selection on growth rate and birth date in red squirrels, showing stronger selection within social neighborhoods and litters, with females facing stronger growth rate selection.