Valeria Maselli

Valeria Maselli's research activity began as a field and laboratory zoologist, working with mammals, birds, reptiles, and with a species as fascinating as it is problematic: the wild boar. During her Ph.D., she studied the genetic diversity, conservation, and management of wild boar in relation to anthropogenic activities. She analyzed the phylogeography and genetic structure of wild boar populations in southern Italy and the consequences of domestication for wild boar. Spatial ecological analysis techniques were combined with population genetics to build a dispersion and colonization model.

In recent years her research field has also expanded to marine animals, in particular to the study of the neuroethology of Octopus Vulgaris, using a combination of genetic, physiological, molecular, and ethological techniques. Cephalopod molluscs (octopus, cuttlefish, and squid) are considered the most evolved and intelligent animals among invertebrates. Octopus Vulgaris demonstrates sophisticated behaviors due to two main evolutionary events: the high degree of encephalization of the ganglion masses and the development of advanced cognitive abilities.