Welcome to the E&ERC
Welcome to the Evolution & Ecology Research Centre. The Centre was established in 2007 with the generous support of the University of New South Wales. It builds on a desire to provide a cohesive and cooperative environment for the University's effort in evolution and ecology research and research training.
2012 E&ERC Research Excellence Awards
were announced at the E&ERC Welcome Back Event on Friday 8 March, 2013. See full list of winners of awards and grants.
Some big news about MAXENT
Associate Professor David Warton recently wrote this post for the Methods blog (Methods in Ecology & Evolution journal) about a new result in species distribution modelling which has been attracting a bit of attention/controversy. From Centre Member David Warton.
A hunger to live longer
Want to live a long time? Who doesn’t? Quite a number of smart people have staked their hopes for long life on restricting their calorie intake. It’s an idea that rests on a not inconsiderable body of evidence. But some new developments suggest it may be a questionable strategy.
The idea that a diet containing a very modest energy content (measured in Calories or Kilojoules) could dramatically prolong lifespan is based on one of the most replicated findings in all of biology.
From E&ERC Director Rob Brooks.
A big kid did it and faded away: videogames vs childhood obesity
Here’s an idea for improving the health of our children: let them play more videogames.
Obesity has numerous health risks and it is most frightening in children as early learned behaviours will last throughout their life. The regulatory, infrastructure and educational changes suggested in The Conversation’s recent Obese Nation series will help in the fight against obesity. From Centre Member Michael Kasumovic.
E&ERC Seminar Series
Friday 14 June 2013 at 3 pm - UNSW, Biomed C
PETER KARL (PK) JONASON - University of Western Sydney
Quantitative, evolutionary, and comparative analyses of the role, function, and acts associated with uncommitted sexual relationships
Traditionally, research on romantic and sexual relationships has focused on one-night stands and monogamous pairs. In a series of studies, we have attempted to quantify why individuals engage in booty-call relationships; how does this relationship differ or resemble other relationships (i.e., one-night stands and serious romantic relationships) in terms of acts committed; and what are the perceived functions of a series of relationships including booty-calls. Using an act-nomination/frequency (Ns = 61 and 75), these relationships may represents low-investment attractive sexual partners and, for women, may represent attractive test-mates. In a comparative study (N = 220), booty-call relationships were sexual in nature as per being characterized by individuals’ tendency to leave after sex and infrequent hand-holding but also romantic as seen through the frequency of acts like kissing. In a relationship-function study (N = 192), different relationships appear to serve different functions in people’s sexual and romantic lives. The results are discussed using a Strategic Pluralism paradigm.
AMSI/ANZIAM/MPE National Seminar
THE MATHEMATICS OF CONVERSATION DECISIONS
Prof Hugh Possingham - The University of Queensland
Friday 21 June at 3.00 p.m. Seminar link-up in Red Centre Room 4082
For more events visit our Events page
