The role of social behaviour as a buffer to impacts of climate change: a field study in fairy-wrens

The role of social behaviour as a buffer to impacts of climate change: a field study in fairy-wrens

Advisor/s

Dr Lyanne Brouwer

College or Research Centre

College of Science & Engineering

Summary of Project

It has been suggested that social species have evolved in harsh environmental conditions, allowing for successful reproduction and survival in environments where pairs alone cannot succeed. This implies that social behaviour may buffer against adverse weather conditions. However, an overlooked issue is that social behaviour itself will also be affected by adverse weather. This project will study the dynamic interplay between ecological conditions and social behaviour through new experiments and detailed behavioural observations using an iconic Australian bird as a model system.

Key Words

behaviour; birds; climate change; fieldwork

Would suit an applicant who

has a passion for fieldwork

Updated: 20 May 2022