Gabriel Blouin-Demers

Biography

Prof. Blouin-Demers has spent most of his research efforts attempting to explain two major patterns: 1) why do animals select particular habitats, and 2) why are so many animals sexually dimorphic. He has mostly used reptiles as a model system, but has worked on fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Because reptiles are, proportionally, the most threatened vertebrate group in Canada, prof. Blouin-Demers also hopes to contribute to their conservation.

Research

He is most interested in observation to uncover patterns and developing and testing hypotheses about these patterns. The two major patterns he has attempted to explain thus far are: 1) why do animals select particular habitats, and 2) why some animals are polymorphic. He mostly used reptiles as a model system, but has worked on fish, amphibians, birds, mammals, and insects. Because reptiles are, proportionally, the most threatened vertebrate group in Canada, he has also conducted conservation research on reptiles at risk. Most of his work has been done in Ontario and Québec, but through collaborations he has also conducted research in France, Morocco, and Arizona.

Type of Student Support He Seeks from a Student

He enjoys working with students who embrace the scientific method with conviction, are independent, and are very motivated.

Research Question Examples a Student He Supervises Could Work On

1. Why are animals more abundant in some habitats that in others?
2. What factors dictate the abundance of animals?
3. Why is polymorphism maintained within populations?
4. What is the effect of additional mortality on the demography of species at risk?
5. How do roads affect animal populations?