Recently I gave an online talk about some of my research for the Canadian Entomology, Ecology and Evolution seminar series. I spoke about my work on the social spider Anelosius eximius in Ecuador with James L. L. Lichtenstein and others. I cover work from two papers, the first estimating selection on collective prey attack for … Continue reading Canadian Entomology, Ecology and Evolution webinar
Category: research
Virtual seminar at Bielefeld University
Recently, I was invited by my good friend, and ace ecologist, Dr. Sarah Paul to give a virtual seminar for Bielefeld University. This was part of the NC³ (Niche Choice, Niche Conformance, Niche Construction) seminar series "Individualisation in Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution" It was lovely to be invited, and I really enjoyed talking about my … Continue reading Virtual seminar at Bielefeld University
Interview by Philip Neilson
I have just been lucky enough to be interviewed by Philip Neilson, a student at the University of Aberdeen, ahead of my department seminar here. Philip conducted a really great interview, he had read several of my papers, and asked really good and insightful questions. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am very pleased to be … Continue reading Interview by Philip Neilson
An indirect origin
This post is about what indirect genetic effects are, and where they came from. It's about an interesting evolutionary process, and a bit of sleuthing into the depths of a library to find a dusty old book. A direct genetic effect is what you think of when the classic "nature vs nurture" debate comes up. … Continue reading An indirect origin
The accepted order of things
We strive, but unfortunately humans are not perfect. Some are further than others, the odd person gets quite close, on a good day, but ultimately we all have our flaws and foibles. For instance, we like to think we are good, rational beings, capable of judging the evidence presented to us and making the most … Continue reading The accepted order of things
Squirrel camp and the northern lights
In the beginning there were three ecologists (one tall, one medium height, one short). In the boreal forest. Before that there were squirrels and lynx and bears and other such creatures, but as they cannot hold pens to write their stories down we can hardly start with them, so we will start with the three … Continue reading Squirrel camp and the northern lights
Woah, bear!
Online bear-awareness courses are a bit of a laugh. See a bear? Try to ascertain the species, whether it has seen you or not, and it if is behaving aggressively or defensively. Presumably while praying that you did leave your family pack of Snickers back home. And not in your ruck-sack. Oh dear… At least … Continue reading Woah, bear!
The Wager
And so a deal is struck. Emily, 178cm, American, will take on Untumak, 160cm, from Kyrgyzstan, in a horse race. Untumak will provide the horses, Emily will chose the course. Being the away side perhaps Emily is at a disadvantage, but being a cowgirl from California and boldly proclaiming that she can ride anything with … Continue reading The Wager
Diversity
Colourful synthetics, dark bloody skin; rowdy exuberance, polite applause; going solo, doing it with brothers in arms; avoiding death or leaning closer to it. I’m aproachimg halfway on my expedition/holiday across the continents, looking for and at sports in all their guises. I’ve just left the sunny climes of Spain behind, and am enjoying the … Continue reading Diversity
Football, football every where, does it make you stop and think?
My adventure into what makes sport so attractive for all humankind (see previous post) began in Africa, in Morocco, and in the busy market city of Marrakech. To be frank, I was a little daunted to be starting here; it would be a big change from the quiet lanes and inlets of Cornwall, my previous … Continue reading Football, football every where, does it make you stop and think?
