1. Visual ecology & signaling

I am interested in the adaptive function of animal coloration (visual ecology and signal design) and processes generating the spectacular colour differences that often characterise adaptive radiations. For the past four years, I have been studying signal design in South African dwarf chameleons - how the environment influences the kinds of colours that chameleons use in social and sexual interactions as well as interactions with potential predators. Previously, I looked at processes driving colour differentiation in a species complex of arid-zone dragon lizards in South Australia.

2. Sexual selection and the evolution of female resistance strategies

I recently won an ARC grant to study the evolution of costly female resistance strategies in Lake Eyre dragons. To avoid male copulation attempts, female Lake Eyre dragons may flee, perform a threat display or even flip onto their back, displaying bright orange-red ventral coloration. Flipping over is likely to be costly, especially given the exposed habitat occupied by these lizards (salt pans, devoid of vegetation). The challenge is to understand why females have evolved such extreme behaviour. The project will involve quantifying direct and indirect costs and benefits to females of employing costly rejection behaviours.

3. Macroevolution and comparative analyses

I am interested in complementing studies of micro-evolutionary processes with comparative analyses to identify patterns at the macro-evolutionary scale. For example, I have examined correlates of species richness (Stuart-Fox & Owens 2003) and the evolution of sexually dimorphic colour patterns and ornaments in dragon lizards (Stuart-Fox & Ord, 2004; Ord & Stuart-Fox 2006).

4. Molecular phylogenetics and phylogeography

I have a background in molecular phylogenetics and phylogeography (Stuart-Fox et al. 2001, 2002). I am interested in complementing morphological, ecological and behavioural data with molecular genetic data to answer a range of evolutionary questions. Now I mainly use published molecular phylogenies for comparative studies.

Collaborations

Prof. David Firth (University of Warwick, UK): Statistical analysis of animal contests.

Dr. Stuart Baird (CBGP, Montpellier, France); Dr Raquel Godinho and Prof. Nuno Ferrand (Universidade do Porto, Portugal): Sexual selection in a secondary contact zone (Spanish/ Portuguese border).

Ass. Prof. Martin Whiting (University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa) and Ass. Prof. Scott Keogh (Australian National University): Divergence of signaling traits in an invasive species.

Dr. Terry Ord (University of California, Davis): Macroevolution of signals and ornaments in lizards.

Dr. Adnan Moussalli and Dr. Dai Herbert (University of KwaZulu Natal and Natal Museum, South Africa): Historical biogeography of terrestrial molluscs in southern Africa.