David Chapple

Professor, School of Biological Sciences david.chapple@monash.edu

Core expertise

evolutionary biology and ecology

Biography

David is head of the Evolutionary Ecology of Environmental Change Laboratory. His research areas of interest include evolutionary biology, invasion biology, behavioural and evolutionary ecology, population and conservation genetics, phylogenetics. and phylogeography.

articles

The graceful chameleon (Chamaeleo gracilis) on a tree branch

‘Alien invasion’: Researchers identify which exotic animals may soon hitchhike into Australia

Invasive alien species become much harder and more expensive to manage as they establish and spread through the landscape, so preventing their arrival is vital.

Science

Space invaders: Extrovert lizards’ role in evolution

Research into the behaviour of the delicate skink has revealed it’s the only Australian lizard to have successfully “invaded” overseas.

Science

On the hop: Gaining an edge over the cane toad scourge

A computer simulation program developed to test cane toad management in the virtual world could soon be rolled out in real life.

Science

Australian snake, the plains death adder (Acanthophis hawkei).

On the brink: Reptiles’ survival under threat – but the news isn’t all bad

A long-term global assessment of reptiles has revealed 21% are threatened, but an upside is that others have benefited from the conservation efforts put into other animals such as birds and mammals.

Science