Gregory R. Johnston

Papers

Total Citations

101

H-Index

About

Gregory R. Johnston is a behavioral ecologist whose work has fundamentally shaped our understanding of animal communication, particularly in amphibians. His research centers on the evolution of complex signaling systems, exploring how visual, acoustic, and vibrational cues interact during social interactions. Johnston’s most-cited study, “Vibrational Signaling in the Agonistic Interactions of Red-Eyed Treefrogs” (2010, 101 citations), is a landmark contribution that demonstrated for the first time that red-eyed treefrogs use deliberate vibrational signals—produced by body tremulations—during aggressive encounters. This work challenged traditional views of anuran communication, revealing a hidden channel of signaling that operates alongside vocalizations. By integrating field observations with experimental playback, Johnston showed that these vibrations function as honest signals of male quality and escalate the intensity of contests. His broader contributions include pioneering methods for recording and analyzing substrate-borne vibrations in arboreal species, opening new avenues for research on multimodal communication. With over 100 citations, his 2010 paper remains a cornerstone in the field, cited by studies on sensory ecology, sexual selection, and conservation behavior. Johnston’s work continues to inspire researchers investigating the sensory worlds of animals and the evolutionary pressures shaping complex signals.