University of Michigan
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

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Paul Webb

Paul Webb

  • Professor
  • Ph.D., Zoology, University of Bristol, England, 1971

Contact information

  • University of Michigan
    1576 Dana Building
    440 Church St
    Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1115
  • Phone: (734) 763-2332
  • Fax: (734) 936-2195
  • Email: pwebb@umich.edu

Research interests

Dr. Webb's current research interests include energetics and functional morphology of fishes. Research seeks to identify and understand fundamental principles leading to predictive models for understanding fish biology and identifying optimal management practices. Specific areas include:
1) locomotor mechanics and functional morphology, including effects of structural complexity, maneuverability, and stability on habitat selection, species distribution, and evolutionary patterns
2) structure of freshwater marsh assemblages
3) distribution and flow of materials and energy acquired as food within fishes, and effects of environmental perturbation, including anthropogenic factors, and
4) predator-prey interactions.

Dr. Webb's current research on locomotion is examining interactions in current-swept habitats (streams, tidal habitats) between fish and structures representative of the bottom, stream banks, weed beds, and coral heads. These structural features have major consequences for locomotor performance, body form, behavior. Consequences of differing abilities for maneuvering and stability control on community structure are being examined in field studies in streams and lakes. Research on marshes focuses on quantifying effects of human development on fish assemblages and fragmentation, and biomonitoring protocols to help empower local citizens in making management decisions.