Professor Graeme Ruxton - Research Interests

Professor of Theoretical Ecology

Now based at the University of St Andrews - http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/contact/staffprofile.aspx?sunID=gr41

Mathematical modelling applied in population, behavioural and functional ecology

Research Interests

My research interests are broad but generally centre on sensory aspects of trophic interactions. That is, I am interested in the behavioural ecology and evolutionary ecology of how animals find food and evaluate the attractiveness of potential food. I am similarly interested in the converse processes by which individuals avoid (or in unusual situations encourage) their own consumption. These interests have spawned two monographs:

Avoiding Attack: The evolutionary ecology of crypsis, warning signals and mimicry, published in 2004, and co-authored with Tom Sherratt of Carleton University in Canada and Mike Speed of the University of Liverpool

Living in Groups  published in 2002, and co-authored with Jens Krause of the University of Leeds.

Academic History

• 1995-March 2012: Professor of Theoretical Ecology (Appointed to Lectureship in 1996, promoted to Readership in 2000 and Professorship in 2003)
• 1992-1995 Mathematical Modeller with Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, based in Edinburgh
• 1989-1992 Ph.D. in Statistics & Modelling Science, University of Strathclyde
• 1985-1989 BSc. (1st class Hons) in Physics with Computer Applications, Heriot-Watt University