Core expertise
The evolution of animal mating systems and behaviour
The impact of chemical pollutants and urbanisation on animal behavior
Animal communication systems
Biography
Bob's research group focuses on the evolution of animal mating systems and behaviour, and how investment in sex influences reproductive strategies and biological diversity. In recent years, Bob has expanded his research to investigate the impacts of environmental change on animal behaviour and the evolutionary process. Members of Bob's group conduct research on a wide range of species, from insects to fish.
Recently his research group has been studying the problems caused by prescription pharmaceuticals making their way into waterways around the world. Bob’s team have found that antidepressants escaping into the environment make fish less likely to react to predators.
Bob is an editor of Behavioral Ecology, a member of the board of reviewing editors for The Journal of Evolutionary Biology, and the Secretary of the International Society for Behavioral Ecology.