Animal ecology & evolution

In this project, the student will analyse the evolution of Miridae male genitalia using molecular methods and observation of fine structures using micro-CT imaging. Supervisor: Prof. Gerry Cassis

This project will involve innovative experiments to test for costs of expressing exaggerated secondary sexual traits in neriid flies. Supervisor: Prof. Russell Bonduriansky

Use high-resolution movement data from African large carnivores to optimise occupancy and density estimates. Supervisor: Dr Neil Jordan

Investigate the social behaviour of an iconic Australian native and how it impacts survival and reproduction. Supervisor: A/Prof. Terry Ord

Test the factors that impact how ants think and solve ecological relevant problems. Supervisor: A/Prof. Terry Ord

Reveal the extraordinary co-evolutionary dynamics of two iconic invertebrate groups that have key ecosystem functions. Supervisor: A/Prof. Terry Ord

Real-world experimental test of the impact of colonisation history, environmental disturbance and competition on the formation of ecological communities. Supervisor: A/Prof. Terry Ord

This project is ready made for a student interested in a computer-based project and the fundamentals of animal communication. Supervisor: A/Prof. Terry Ord

Test a fundamental assumption about predation driving prey to live amongst the trees or under cover of night using innovative field methods. Supervisor: A/Prof. Terry Ord

Uncover how the transition to land by fish (yes, fish!) has opened the door to the evolution of elaborate ornamentation for reproduction. Supervisor: A/Prof. Terry Ord

Investigate how variation in the inner ear structures of bats relates to their ability to hear very low sounds. Supervisor: Dr Laura Wilson, Professor Suzanne Hand

This project will explore the evolution of one tribe of the Australian Horn Bugs – the Deroploini – which are best known for their extravagant processes on the head and thorax that mimic the thorns of their host plants. Supervisor: Prof. Gerry Cassis

This project will investigate how males assess female quality and explore the costs and benefits of fighting for females.

Supervisors: Dr. Anastasia Shavrova

This project will investigate how varying male morphs and polyandry affects female longevity.

Supervisor: Dr. Anastasia Shavrova

Sexual conflict in house mice, understand how the conflicting interests between females and males impact their lives. Supervisor: Professor Robert Brooks

This study will consider the effect of short bursts of intense social media activity or withdrawal on users’ self-perceptions of status as well as their affect/mood. Supervisor: Professor Robert Brooks

This project studies how willing people are to project gender onto computerised entities, particularly chatbots. Supervisor: Professor Robert Brooks

Investigate effects of maternal environment on offspring traits. 

Supervisor: Prof. Russell Bonduriansky

This project aims to studying burrow locations of juveniles and adults in a wild population to determine proximity to relatives/conspecifics and if burrow sharing occurs. Supervisor: Dr Gilad Bino & Dr Jessica Thomas

This project will investigate, for the first time, how maternal and paternal ages interact to affect offspring longevity and fitness. 

Supervisor: Prof. Russell Bonduriansky

This project will investigate whether individual variation in jumping behaviour of larvae predicts behavioural variation at the adult stage.

Supervisor: Prof. Russell Bonduriansky

This study will determine whether supplemental nestboxes and constructed hollows successfully recruit target wildlife such as parrots and possums in our local urban setting. 

Supervisor: A/Prof. Lisa Schwanz