An EconoTimes perspective

Sally Keith

Senior Lecturer, Lancaster University Using coral reefs as a model system, my team aims to: (1) figure out if, when, how and why animal behaviour can scale up to influence the diversity ​and distribution of life on Earth, (2) identify and explain global geographical patterns in animal behaviour, (3) capture the impact of environmental change on (1)&(2), predict ecological vulnerability into the future, and offer solutions to increase ecosystem resilience. To achieve these aims, we combine purpose-built fieldwork with a macroecological approach, conducting behavioural research in multiple locations across the world. This broad geographic coverage allows us to identify generalisable "rules" for how animals behave and understand how behaviour is affected by an animal's biotic and abiotic environment in the real-world.