Department of Zoology
Professor
Ph.D. University of Tennessee, 1984
behavioral ecology, arachnology
| Office: 110 Levey 148 PSN Lab: | Phone: 727-3258 529-3176 529-3198 | Email: cadyab@MUOhio.edu |
Office Hours: Monday . . . . Tuesday . . . . Wednesday . . Thursday. . . . OXF by appt. Friday. . . . . . OXF by appt. |
Biographical Information:
Alan Cady is a field ecologist with broad interests in behavioral ecology, biological control, and arachnology, but his main focus has been on spider communities. His investigations employ field experiments to help determine how these predators influence arthropod community structure, mostly in agroecosystems. One project seeks to determine the importance of hedgerows in agricultural systems, while another studied the behavioral and reproductive effects on spiders from sub-lethal doses of malathion.
Dr. Cady’s research over the last 5 years reflects his long-time interest in understanding how spiders, harvestmen, and other generalist predatory arthropods may act as agents of biological control. Current research investigates why the presence of discrete habitat refugia (small straw piles) in row crops (corn & soy) tend to increase plant growth and yields. He also has been experimenting with harvestmen in vegetable gardens to assess their ability to protect plants from herbivorous insects. Another project has taken him to Brasil to study spider/ mite interactions in rubber plantations. Dr. Cady’s diverse training extends into the classroom where he teaches zoology, ecology, anatomy, and physiology courses for majors, non-majors, and nursing students. |
Courses Taught:
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