Adaptive function of insect cuticular lipids. Insects secrete onto their surface a cocktail of high melting-point waxes. These biological compounds have been found to be involved in communication but are also thought to protect the insect from water loss and pathogen invasion. Insects represent the most abundant group of animals on Earth. It has been suggested that the dual role of surface waxes in ecological adaptation and reproduction may be key to their remarkable divergence. However, little ....Adaptive function of insect cuticular lipids. Insects secrete onto their surface a cocktail of high melting-point waxes. These biological compounds have been found to be involved in communication but are also thought to protect the insect from water loss and pathogen invasion. Insects represent the most abundant group of animals on Earth. It has been suggested that the dual role of surface waxes in ecological adaptation and reproduction may be key to their remarkable divergence. However, little is known of the function of individual compounds within mixtures of insect waxes. Using chemical analysis, neurophysiology and whole animal performance, the aim of this project is to provide a detailed understanding of the function of insect surface wax with potential for bioinspired products.Read moreRead less
Animal camouflage patterns. This project aims to understand whether animal camouflage patterns can produce the illusion of 3D form. By using the latest techniques in 3D computer imaging, vision science and animal behaviour, this work addresses the previously untested but fundamental theory on 3D camouflage patterns. The development of theory on the ecology and evolution of animal patterning will enhance our understanding of the processes that maintain biological diversity. This research is expec ....Animal camouflage patterns. This project aims to understand whether animal camouflage patterns can produce the illusion of 3D form. By using the latest techniques in 3D computer imaging, vision science and animal behaviour, this work addresses the previously untested but fundamental theory on 3D camouflage patterns. The development of theory on the ecology and evolution of animal patterning will enhance our understanding of the processes that maintain biological diversity. This research is expected to have broad impact across multiple disciplines and will inform novel military defence strategies and contribute to emerging bio-inspired technologies.Read moreRead less
Neuro-ecology: information processing under natural conditions. Not enough is known about how sensory information is processed through the brain under natural environmental conditions. This project will shed light on how information processing changes with context and will help explain why even those animals with the smallest brains are much more versatile and robust than our most advanced robots.