biological sciences HONOURs 2014 - The University of Sydney

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46 ANIMAL DEVELOPMENT AND STRESS Research Interests I am interested in animal development and stress. In higher animals stress hormones play vital roles in controlling the physiology of reproduction. Many more animals in this changing world are either currently facing or will soon face an additional stress, that of global warming. Marine animals will also have to cope with the stress of ocean acidification as increased CO 2 levels change the pH of the ocean. The marine isopod Cirolana harfordi is an excellent model organism in which to study development and stress. C. harfordi like many crustaceans has two sets of antennae that it uses to sense food in the environment and is thought to find prey using sensory nerves and receptors housed in elaborate extensions of the cuticle called setae. Just like a shark is followed or carries remora fish, the isopod C. harfordi carries with it an amazing menagerie of organism ‘hangers on’. They are either attached to its body (epibionts) or they cling on and are mobile in its body. Characterising the microscopic ecosystem that C. harfordi provides is an exciting opportunity for a scientist to plunge into uncharted territory. Dr Murray Thomson Room 314, Heydon- Laurence Building A08 T: (02) 9036 6412 E: murray.thomson@ sydney.edu.au Honours projects 1. Behavioural studies on C. harfordi. Cirolana harfordi is a good organism for a wide array of behavioural studies. For example, what causes the animals to pick one shelter, when given a choice of two, and aggregate there? 2. The effects of rising temperature and acidification on stress levels and altered development of sensory setae. Physiological stress will be measured by biochemical indicators and behavioural traits. This isopod is viviparous and gives birth to live young that the female carries in a marsupium pouch that is made up of plates that grow from the legs. The effects on setae containing sensory equipment development will be studied using electron microscopy. 3. The role of the antennae in finding food and friends The role of the two pairs of antennae and their components in spatial orientation and food tracking provides the basis for a stimulating and multi faceted project. 4. Custom projects with other organisms can also be formulated and training is available in the following techniques; electron microscopy; behavioural biology; immunohistology; electrophoresis and western blotting; biochemistry; cell and molecular biology.
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR 47 Research Interests My research is centred on the fascinating field of animal behaviour. I test ideas about the mechanisms and the functions of animal behaviour: how animals do what they do, and why. Broadly speaking, my main research interests could be divided into four categories: social and collective behaviour, learning and information use, recognition and communication, and the integration of physiology and behaviour. More about these topics can be found at my website on the School of Biology pages: sydney.edu.au/science/biology/ animalbehaviour/index.shtml As well as being of great intrinsic interest, the study of animal behaviour can provide vital insight into a variety of other disciplines, both within the biological sciences (physiology, conservation biology, toxicology, ecology) and beyond (psychology, sociology, economics). Honours projects 1. Leadership and decision-making in animal groups. Who gets to lead and who makes the decisions? These questions are fundamental to the success of the group in avoiding predators and finding food, yet are poorly understood. Your research will use groups of fish as a model to understand these questions. Associate Professor Ashley Ward Room 132, Macleay Building A12 T: (02) 9351 4778 E: ashley.ward@sydney. edu.au 2. Courtship and sexual strategies. How should animals behave to ensure to maximise their chances of passing on their genes? Do they adopt different strategies according to the competition they face, or how risky the environment is? Again using fish as your model species, your research will shed light on this fundamentally important area. 3. You name it! If you have a particular area in animal behavior research that you would like to focus on, and some ideas of how to approach it, then contact me for a discussion.
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Page 5 and 6: Why do Honours? 5 Flesh fly by Jess
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Page 11 and 12: 11 27 Eddie Holmes Evolutionary gen
Page 13 and 14: BEHAVIOUR AND GENETICS OF SOCIAL IN
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Page 30 and 31: 30 MICROBIAL ECOLOGY Research Inter
Page 32 and 33: 32 ANIMAL-PLANT INTERACTIONS Resear
Page 34: 34 REPTILE EVOLUTION AND BEHAVIOURA
Page 37 and 38: NUTRITION, INFECTION AND HOST-FITNE
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Page 42 and 43: 42 PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY Research
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