Animal ecology & evolution

This project will investigate, for the first time, whether taking a brief daily ‘time out’ away from other individuals can substantially increase the longevity of group-housed animals. Supervisor: Prof. Russell Bonduriansky

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

You’ll answer the question: ‘Does a shy fish have a slow life strategy? By looking at behavioural and metabolic consequences of SERT knockouts. Supervisor: Prof. Shinichi Nakagawa

The project uses cognitive bias tests to quantify animal optimism and investigate the interaction between animal personality and optimism. Supervisor: Prof. Shinichi Nakagawa

This research will reveal, for the first time, the extent to which environmental variation in nutrient abundance can shape mating systems. Supervisor: Prof. Russell Bonduriansky

This project will involve innovative experiments to test for the effects of basking in natural versus artificial light on the development of laboratory insects. Supervisor: Prof. Russell Bonduriansky

This project will investigate, for the first time, whether individual variation in jumping behaviour of larvae predicts behavioural variation at the adult stage. Supervisor: Prof. Russell Bonduriansky

This project involves 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

Be part of the regeneration of Fowlers Gap Arid Zone station. Supervisor: Dr Keith Leggett or others

Do predictable vs. unpredictable changes in temperature alter individual behaviour and learning? Supervisor: Dr Erin Macartney, Dr Szymon Drobniak, Prof Shinichi Nakagawa

Does sex enhance the ability to learn? Are smarter individuals better at mating? Supervisor: Dr Erin Macartney, Dr Szymon Drobniak, Prof Shinichi Nakagawa

Does phenotypic plasticity depend on individual age? Supervisor: Dr Szymon Drobniak, Dr Erin Macartney, Prof Shinichi Nakagawa

This project will investigate how males assess female quality and explore the costs and benefits of fighting for females Supervisors: Prof. Michael Kasumovic and Anastasia Shavrova

This project will investigate how varying male morphs and polyandry affects female longevity Supervisor: Prof. Michael Kasumovic and Anastasia Shavrova

The project aims to compare the differences in behaviour or physical traits of western barred bandicoots populations in predator-free and predator (quoll) exposed environments. Supervisors: Dr Katherine Moseby and Dr Leanne Van der Weyde

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

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

This project will explore the extent and nature of variation among clones of the springtail Folsomia candida. Supervisor: Prof. Russell Bonduriansky

This project will explore the role of pheromones in male-male and female-male interactions in M. batesii. Supervisor: Prof. Russell Bonduriansky

This project will investigate whether M. batesii nymphs engage in aggressive interactions. 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