Fish physiology and behavioural ecology ASIG
The School for Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine has expertise in a wide range of projects related to the physiology and behavioural ecology of aquatic species. There is particular expertise in research that focuses on interactions between physiology and aspects involved in behavioural ecology, such as foraging, social behaviour, predator-avoidance, and responses to environmental change. Much of this work focuses on freshwater and marine fishes and involves collaborations with research partners across the globe, including French Polynesia, China, and the Brazilian Amazon, and uses a mix of laboratory and field studies.
Behaviour and Environmental Change
Individuals within and across species show wide variation in their behavioural and physiological traits. It is not fully understood how this variation arises and what ecological consequences this can have. However, there are emerging links between behaviour and physiology, which have been shown to differ with environment. With ecosystems undergoing rapid environmental change across the globe, this raises several questions, for example, how do these changes affect physiological and behavioural plasticity? What are the consequences for predator avoidance, feeding, and survival?
Fisheries Induced Selection and Evolution
There is mounting evidence that fishing can change the evolutionary trajectory of wild fish populations. However, it is not understood whether certain behavioural and physiological traits make some individuals more vulnerable to capture and whether this can cause phenotypic change in a population. It is also not clear how this interacts with climate change and other stressors. To address these questions, lab-based simulations and fieldwork are being carried out to understand the impacts for commercial food fisheries as well as recreational and ornamental. This information can provide insight into the impacts of fishing practices, which can be used to enhance conservation efforts.
More information on further projects within this theme can be found at the Shaun Killin Lab website.
SBOHVM Researchers: Professor Shaun Killen
SBOHVM PhD Students: Mar Pineda, Izzy Tiddy