Our research group works on a broad range of evolutionary and ecological questions. A common thread linking the research we do is the explicit modelling of spatial phenomena, all the way from individual movement to metapopulation dynamics. Our approach is based on a mixture of theoretical and statistical modelling and empirical investigations (both in the laboratory and in the field). This wide variety of techniques leads us to collaborate closely with a number of colleagues both within and outside the Zoology department here in Cambridge.
Current research topics on individual movement strategies include the solution of conflicts in sticklebacks facing coordination problems, the importance of territoriality in mediating social conflict in dwarf angelfish and in determining the outcome of interspecific mutualistic relationships in cleaner wrasses. At a broader scale, we have worked extensively on reconstructing the spread of anatomically modern humans out of Africa over the last 50k years using population genetics tools, and we have used our improved understanding of the ancient demography of humans to investigate selection by pathogens in this structured metapopulation. We have also applied spatial models to conservation problems, for example to look at coral reef fisheries and shrimp trawling.
- News and Media
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23 September 2011
Hair unlocks Aboriginal origins
A new paper in Science on the origin of Aborigines, to which Andrea and Anders contributed, is coverd by the BBC, the Telegraph, the New York Times, and other media.16 June 2011
Born leaders
Andrea's PNAS paper on the evolution of leadership is covered by a News and Views piece in Nature.15 June 2010
Malaria accompanied the human expansion out of Africa
Our new paper in Current Biology showing that malaria came out of Africa 50-60K years ago with the first anatomically modern humans is covered by the Science NOW,USA Today, and other media.
- Recent Publications: Highlights
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Tanabe, K., et al. (2010) Plasmodium falciparum accompanied the human expansion out of Africa. Current Biology 20: 1283-1289 [PDF] [Suppl. Mat.]
Oates, J., Manica, A., & Bshary, R. (2010) The Shadow of the Future affects cooperation in a cleaner fish. Current Biology 20:R472-R473 [PDF] [Suppl. Mat.]
Harcourt, J.L., Sweetman, G., Manica, A., & Johnstone, R.A. (2010) Pairs of fish resolve conflicts over coordinated movement by taking turns. Current Biology 20: 156-160 [PDF] [Suppl. Mat.]
