Research in the Department of Zoology
The Department of Zoology has recently recruited four new academics, and along with established research groups is now home to leaders in several fields of study as outlind below. The Department is well supported with general facilities including fluorescence microscopy, darkroom, GPS room, electronic and IT workshops, constant temperature rooms and vehicles. The Department also maintains several hectares of fenced reserve in easy walking distance, with reptile, aviary and macropod colonies. All within close proximity to the University’s 100 hectare Wildlife Reserve. In addition, the Department has access to a modern animal house capable of holding a diverse range of organisms.
Muscle Cell Physiology
Our lab examines aspects of muscle function using mechanically-skinned single fibres. We use fibres predominantly from soleus and EDL muscle of Long-Evans Hooded Rats (Rattus norvegicus) and C57BL\10 mice (Mus musculus), as well as the iliofibularis from Toad (Bufo marinus). → Visit the Muscle Lab for more details.
Conservation Biology
The Conservation and Wildlife Ecology research group conducts research on a range of applied issues affecting a range of vertebrate and invertebrate taxa. Members of the group are actively involved in research that leads to practical conservation outcomes for threatened fauna. → Visit our Conservation Biology page for more details.
Reproductive Physiology
Research on the ecology and evolutionary physiology of reproduction, particularly viviparity (pregnancy). Topics include, maternal effects on offspring phenotypes, sex allocation and the physiological and endocrinological basis for variation in life history. → Visit the Reproductive Physiology page for more details.
Behavioural Ecology
Behavioural studies in the department reflect staff interests in ornithology and herpetology. Topics include the evolutionary biology of Australian birds, thermal ecology and life history variation in reptiles and amphibians, and the evolution of animal communication strategies. → Visit our Behavioural Ecology page for more details.
Insect Ecology
Our research is focussed on insect ecology and conservation, with an emphasis on biotic (biological and behavioural mechanisms underlying interactions with other invertebrates & plants) and abiotic (soil, environment, climate ) factors affecting insect community composition, distribution and functioning. → Visit the Insect Ecology Lab for more details.
Insect-Plant Interactions
Our major research focus is on the chemical and physical plant cues psylloids (also commonly called Jumping plantlice and psyllids) use when locating and differentiating host eucalypts from non-host eucalypts and the impact of these traits on the survival of nymphs. → Visit the Insect Plant Interactions page for more details.
