Federico Massetti
PhD Student
Research
About me
Since I can remember I have always been attracted to the life sciences, especially herpetology. During my university studies, I expanded my knowledge of evolution, discovering the fascination of the processes involved in it. I enjoy the discovery process involved in conjecturing possible theories and explanations for the origin of the structures of animals. My main interest is phenotypic and functional evolution, particularly regarding reptiles.
Active Projects
​
The thermal properties of lizard coloured integument: mechanisms and evolution
While a lot of the focus has been directed to the role of color in signalling and camouflage, much less has been devoted to the potential role that color plays in thermal relations and its adaptive significance. Using a combination of techniques, this project aims to investigate the thermal effects of colored integumentary tissue in lizards from both a proximate and ultimate perspective.
Functional performance and sexual dimorphism on Moorish gecko
We are using photographs, videos and linear measurements, to study a series of populations of Tarentola mauritanica from the Iberian peninsula in order to test the variation of morphology, geometric morphometrics, locomotion and bite force between populations and between sexes.
Past Projects
​
Study of the shape variation and natural history of the Uzungwe viper
During my thesis I worked on the geometric morphometrics of Atheris barbouri. While I had a good amount of data some species were underrepresented giving to analysis an unsatisfying level of statistical support. If someone with access to Atheris specimens would be willing to collaborate with me I would be happy to continue this project.
Picture by Michele Menegon