Models of signal evolution predict that the threat posed by eavesdropping predators will influence the evolution of signal structure and
Category: Animal communication
Zebra finches and heterospecific alarm calls
Studies have shown that numerous species eavesdrop on the calls of heterospecifics to gain information about predator presence. Responding to
Dancing frogs
In this project, we aim to examine the multimodal communication of an Australian anuran species, Litoria fallax (the eastern sedge
Zebra finches don’t alarm call
Many vertebrates use vocalizations to communicate about the presence of predators, and some encode information about predator type or behaviour.
Interspecific variation in motion displays
Signaling species occurring in sympatry areoften exposed to similar environmental constraints, so similar adaptations to enhance signal efficacy are expected.
Anolis signals & local adaption
For animals to communicate effectively, signals are required to be successfully detected by an intended receiver across the extent of
Anolis signals & species recognition
Visual signalling is used during inter and intra specific interactions, and has evolved toward complex, diverse and highly species-specific displays.
Quantifying ecological constraints on motion signaling
The environment in which animal signals are generated has the potential to affect transmission and reliable detection by receivers. To
Intraspecific variation in motion displays
Habitat characteristics influence the efficacy of animal communication, and population differences insignal structure due to habitat variation are well known
Social context and tail displays by Chinese dragons
Competition between animals for limited resources often involves signaling to establish ownership ordominance. In some species, the defended resource relates
Wolf spiders
Despite Australia’s reputation for large, unique spiders, very little is known about the behaviour of many of these species. Wolf
Female psyllids like the start of male calls
Sexual selection requires intra-specific variation in the characteristics mediating mate choice. In species reliant on substrate-borne vibrational signalling (SBVS), differences
Australian dragons: motion displays
Australia’s dragon lizards (Family: Agamidae) employ dynamic visual signals in a variety of contexts but the signalling behaviour of this
Chinese dragons
Territorial behaviour in animals arises when animals compete for an area of space that contains valuable resources. In many species,
Zebra finch antipredator behaviour
The zebra finch is a native Australian passerine used as a model species in studies worldwide and spanning a range