Tradeoffs explain scaling, sex differences, and seasonal oscillations in the remarkable weapons of snapping shrimp (.).

Evolutionary theory suggests that individuals should express costly traits at a magnitude that optimizes the trait bearer's cost-benefit difference. Trait expression varies across a species because costs and benefits vary among individuals. For example, if large individuals pay lower costs than small individuals, then larger individuals should reach optimal cost-benefit differences at greater trait magnitudes.

Large and exaggerated sexually selected weapons comprise high proportions of metabolically inexpensive exoskeleton.

The cost-minimization hypothesis proposes that positive allometry in sexually selected traits can be explained if the proportional energetic maintenance costs of weapons decrease as traits increase in size. Energetic maintenance costs are the costs of maintaining homeostasis. They are slow, persistent energy sinks that are distinct from ephemeral costs of growth.

Acoustic particle motion detection in the snapping shrimp (Alpheus richardsoni).

Many crustaceans produce sounds that might be used in communication. However, little is known about sound detection in crustaceans, hindering our understanding of crustacean acoustic communication. Sound detection has been determined only for a few species, and for many species, it is unclear how sound is perceived: as particle motion or sound pressure.

Multiscale spatio-temporal patterns of boat noise on U.S. Virgin Island coral reefs.

Sound-sensitive organisms are abundant on coral reefs. Accordingly, experiments suggest that boat noise could elicit adverse effects on coral reef organisms. Yet, there are few data quantifying boat noise prevalence on coral reefs.