Evolutionary Ecology of Perception Learning and Memory
Edinburgh University has two key research groups currently addressing issues relating to animal perception, learning and memory. We use a number of model systems to test hypotheses regarding the evolutionary processes that shape animal cognitive abilities. Our experimental approaches are largely empirical and involve coordinating experiments in both the laboratory and the field.
Our work uses both evolutionary and behavioural approaches to address a range of questions. For example:
- Why is animal learning and memory ability so variable?
- How does ecology influence animal cognition?
- How does early development influence learning and memory?
- Can we use cognition to study animal welfare?
- Can fish suffer?
- Why are there sex differences in cognition and how do these arise?
- What perceptual mechanisms underlie decision making such as mate-choice, and how do these affect processes such as speciation?
Contact
Email: v.braithwaite@ed.ac.uk or s.healy@ed.ac.uk
Dr Victoria Braithwaite or Dr Sue Healy Evolutionary Ecology of Animal Cognition Institute of Evolutionary Biology School of Biological Sciences King's Buildings Edinburgh University Edinburgh. EH9 3JT
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