Biosciences Seminar Series - Autumn 2018
15 November 2018 - 1pm - Zoology Museum
The animal Kingdom contains a vast range of diverse forms. Across this diversity each species is linked by fundamental requirements, such as the need to acquire resources from the environment and utilise them to survive and reproduce. One of the main goals of macroecology is to identify the universal patterns regarding such requirements. My research focuses on using comparative methods and simulation modelling to test macroecological patterns regarding an animal’s ability to acquire resources, through trophic interactions, and how it allocates such resources between survival, growth and reproduction as part of their life history strategies. In this seminar I will talk about my research on testing body size patterns in the scavenging ability of vertebrates using agent-based simulation models, the use of snake venom as a comparative model of predator trait evolution and the use of matrix population models to identify patterns in the life history strategies of species across the Animal Kingdom. While my research focuses on the “bigger picture” regarding the ecology and evolution of animal diversity, I will also discuss how Tyrannosaurs rex was probably a terrible scavenger, why some snakes are so venomous, and how weird humans are from a life history perspective.
Hope to see many of you - everyone most welcome to attend!
For the list of forthcoming seminars see here
For the list of forthcoming seminars see here
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