Southwestern Oklahoma State University
09/29/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/29/2025 15:14
SWOSU Professor Contributes to Global Study Published in Science Journal
Dr. Renan Bosque, Professor at SWOSU, helped lead field research for a study on camouflage and warning coloration published in Science.
Dr. Renan Bosque, Professor in the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is part of an international research team whose work has been published in Science. The study focuses on the evolution of camouflage and warning coloration in animals.
The article, titled "Global selection on insect antipredator coloration," examines how factors such as predation intensity, the presence of alternative prey, and light conditions influence whether animals develop camouflage or warning colors.
To test these ideas, 56 researchers from around the world deployed more than 15,000 insect models across 21 forest sites on six continents. The team was led by Dr. Iliana Medina Guzmán of The University of Melbourne, Australia, and Dr. William Allen of Swansea University, UK. Bosque coordinated the field research at one of the study sites in Brazil.
Dr. Bosque in Brazil, placing one of the models used in the study on a tree.
One of the models deployed in the field where Dr. Bosque conducted his research.
The butterfly Chlosyne lacinia with its typical conspicuous coloration, photographed in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Photo: Dr. Vijay Somalinga.
"Having the opportunity to work with such a brilliant team of scientists is priceless. This is a great contribution to our understanding of the selective forces governing the evolution of coloration in animals," Bosque said.
At SWOSU, Bosque leads undergraduate students in research on color evolution in squamates, including experiments on predation and the ecophysiology of coloration. These projects give students hands-on scientific experience while contributing to broader discoveries in biodiversity and evolution.
Being published in the prestigious journal is a major professional milestone that brings international visibility to SWOSU and highlights the strength of the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. The department offers a top-ranked biology degree in Oklahoma and prepares students for careers in biotechnology, health care, government, law, public health and education. Faculty members are active in research across a wide range of biological topics and involve students in projects that strengthen their scientific skills and career preparation.
To learn more about the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, visit https://www.swosu.edu/biological-sciences/. The full study, "Global selection on insect antipredator coloration," is available in Science.
About Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves over 5,000 scholars and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.
Thinking about becoming a Bulldog?
Choosing the right university comes with plenty of questions about applications, costs, and campus life. At SWOSU, students benefit from strong programs, a supportive community, and plenty of opportunities to get involved. This FAQ highlights answers to some of the questions students most often ask when considering SWOSU.
FAQs
How to apply to SWOSU?Start your application process by visiting SWOSU's admissions page to choose the path that fits you to submit your application!
To learn more, visit the SWOSU Admissions page.
For graduate degrees, you submit your application through the Graduate Application Portal and include transcripts and immunization records. Deadlines vary by program.
To learn more, visit the Graduate School Admissions page.
Tuition rates for SWOSU vary based on residency status and credit hours. For the most accurate and current tuition information, please refer to the official SWOSU Tuition and Fees page.
SWOSU welcomes transfer students! Requirements depend on hours completed: if under 24 hours, submit an application, test scores, and transcripts. For more than 24 hours, submit your application, transcript(s), and immunization records. A GPA of 1.7 is required for up to 30 hours; 2.0 is required beyond that.
To learn more, visit the Transfer Students page.
SWOSU offers a range of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, and loans. These can come from academic departments, foundations, or federal and state resources.
To learn more, visit the Scholarships & Grants page.
SWOSU's "In-State + $1 Tuition Program" allows non-resident (including transfer and international) students to pay the in-state tuition rate plus $1 per credit hour. No extra application is needed. Savings can exceed $3,450 per semester (based on 15 credit hours).
Note: this rate applies to tuition only, not fees, housing, meal plan, or books. To learn more, visit the In-State + $1 Tuition page.
Yes! SWOSU offers graduate programs in areas such as Education, Business, Nursing, Allied Health, and more.
To learn more, visit the Graduate School Admissions page.
Yes. SWOSU offers online courses and degree options across undergraduate and graduate levels to give students flexibility with their schedules.
To learn more, visit our SWOSU Online page.
On-campus housing includes traditional residence halls and apartment-style living. These options offer amenities like meal plans, laundry, and social spaces.
To learn more, visit our Residential Life page.
SWOSU hosts more than 90 student clubs and organizations-ranging from Chemistry Club, Scuba Club, League of Legends Club, Honors Association, Spanish Club, to Faith-based, academic, and recreational groups.
To learn more, visit the Student Organizations page.
SWOSU offers services including academic advising, tutoring, writing support, health and counseling services, financial aid assistance, residence life, library, and more.
To learn more, visit the Student Services page.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University published this content on September 29, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 29, 2025 at 21:14 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]