Project description:
Predation and the risk of
predation seem to encourage greater among individual variation in
behavior and correlations among different behaviors. Other traits, like
body shape and coloration, are likely related to
behavior, but how these traits might co-evolve under predation is not
clear. Why do predators seem to encourage greater variation among
individuals in general, and what genes might be involved?
Predation and the risk of
predation are seemingly a major driving force in shaping animal
‘personalities’ (i.e. shy vs bold behaviours), body shape (i.e body
size, or shape that facilitates escape from predators) and
even body colour (i.e. camouflage from predators). Using lab
populations of fish that have been living and breeding for 3 years in
ponds either without predators, we have preliminary observations that
fish show evolved differences in these traits.
Project details and work involved:
The project will involve measuring behavior (such
as activity levels), body shape and color of individuals from each
treatment, and testing if the presence of predators does indeed favor
evolution of greater variation of these traits.
Assessment of demography, size structure and life history parameters
may also be measured. The project could also involve some limited
genetic analyses to identify genes associated with evolved trait
changes. The student will learn techniques to measure
animal behaviour, colour and morphology, as well as general fish
husbandry. I am happy to have the student follow their interests or
expertise to some extent, as there is flexibility in what things we
study!
We are based near Melbourne, Australia. We are a
small but tightly knit group, and have had several French students here
in the past that have enjoyed their stay and interaction with post
graduate students here.
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Dr. Peter Biro
Assoc. Prof. of Behavioral Ecology
Centre for Integrative Ecology
School of Life and Environmental Science
Deakin University
75 Pigdons Road
Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216
Australia
Phone: 03 5227 2426
Mobile: 0434 856 921
International: +61 434 856 921