Department of Zoology

 

Research in Zoology

Behavioural Ecology

Could do with a new picture or twoThe Behavioural Ecology Group focuses on the study of behavioural adaptations in relation to ecological and social conditions. Bill Amos (Molecular Ecology Group) studies the role of genetic differences in generating variation in survival and reproductive success and in developing DNA-based techniques for measuring relatedness and maternity. Michael Brooke (Behavioural Ecology Group) is interested in conservation biology, particulaly the protection of island birds, the taxonomy of seabirds as well as plumage colours. Tim Clutton-Brock (Large Animal Research Group) studies the role of ecological differences in generating variation in survival and reproductive success in naturally regulated populations and the evolution of mating strategies and cooperative breeding in animals. Nick Davies (Behavioural Ecology Group) studies how social organisation within a population reflects conflicts within and between the sexes, and coevolution of brood parasitic birds and their hosts. Rufus Johnstone (Behaviour and Evolution Group) uses game theoretical and genetic models to investigate evolutionary conflicts of interest and their resolution in contexts including communication, mate choice and parental care. Rebecca Kilner (Behavioural Ecology Group) uses avian family life as a model system for investigating the evolution of communication, the resolution of social conflicts and co-evolution between brood parasites and their hosts. Nick Mundy (Evolutionary Genetics Group) studies the molecular basis of adaptive phenotypic evolution in vertebrates, particularly the evolution of coat colour, olfaction and colour vision inprimates, and plumage coloration in birds.

Behavioural Ecology Group
Behaviour and Evolution Group
Evolutionary Genetics Group
Large Animal Research Group
Molecular Ecology Group