Zoology

Research on zoology at the School of Natural Sciences spans a broad range of subjects and biological systems. We use both laboratory and field-based techniques to study topics such as the molecular basis of circadian rhythms, the hormonal control of ecdysis in crustaceans, the energetics and biomechanics of animal movement, animal behaviour and ecology, navigation and migration, reproductive physiology, animal personality, and social behaviour. As well as asking fundamental questions about why and how animals do what they do, we also work on applied questions such as the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on animals, for example the metabolic and physiological responses to environmental change in marine organisms, the effect of ecotourism and habitat change on stress and reproductive function in primates, and the effect of noise on animal signalling and navigation behaviour.