Why do fish colonise land and what are its consequences for adaptation

The colonisation of land by fish has occurred repeatedly throughout evolutionary history. We know little about why this dramatic transition occurs.

This project will focus on a remarkable group of living blenny fishes, a large family of fish in which there have been repeated instances of land colonisation. In fact, there are living examples within this large group of fishes in which species are currently undergoing the transition from aquatic to terrestrial environments. This provides a unique and powerful opportunity to investigate the causes and consequences of land colonisation by fish in "real" time.

This project has multiple avenues of research, from the behavioural implications through to the physiological and morphological adaptations associated with the colonisation of land. The project can therefore be tailored to suit the particular interests of the student.

How to Apply

Express your interest in this project by emailing Associate Professor Terry Ord. Include a copy of your CV and your academic transcript(s).