New Paper - out now
Yeager & Barnett. 2022. Front. E. E.
Continuous variation in an aposematic pattern affects background contrast but is not associated with differences in microhabitat use.
Research
Why do animals look and behave in the ways that they do?
How do individual differences affect how communities interact?
What can we do to protect biodiversity?
I am a Behavioural Ecologist currently working as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University.
My research is all about understanding and protecting biodiversity from the scale of individuals to ecosystems. I focus on dynamic behavioural processes and frequently use animal colouration to give insights into ecological and evolutionary trade-offs. I am particularly fascinated by amphibians and reptiles. Find out more here.
I am originally from Bristol (UK) and now find myself in Hamilton (ON, Canada).
I am lucky enough to work with some wonderful people around the world.
You can find out more about me, my collaborators, and our study sites here.
Animals use colour in many different ways, but how do these colours work?
I'm working to understand how colours evolve and are perceived.
Warning signals
Camouflage
Transparency
Mimicry
Communication
Animals use colour in many different ways, but how do these colours work?
I'm working to understand how colours evolve and are perceived.
Warning signals
Camouflage
Transparency
Mimicry
Communication
Predators & Prey
Predator-Prey Dynamics
Predators and prey must make life or death decisions everyday, but how do animals behave when under stress or when information is scarce?
My research aims to examine how animals ensure their survival via:
Decision making
Prey selection
Competition
Escape behaviour
Conservation
Conservation
The natural world is changing quickly, creating new challenges and opportunities. How do animals react to these altered landscapes and communities?
I am working to understand the importance of behaviour and biodiversity, as well as how we can protect ecosystem function:
Changing behaviour
Changing communities
Reintroduction