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Kristal E. Cain
k.cain@auckland.ac.nz Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland |
Welcome!
Here in the Cain Lab, we are trying to understand why animals are so varied in their behaviour and appearance and how complex social traits evolve. We are particularly interested in sex differences and examining entrenched assumptions that have been poorly tested. We use an integrative approach, incorporating tools from the behaviour, physiology, evolutionary ecology, and quantitative genetics. Most of our work focuses on birds, including species from the US, Australia, Europe, and New Zealand. But we also work with lizards, frogs, mammals, and invertebrates.
You can learn more about who we are on the People page and what we do on the Research page.
If you are interested in joining us, check out the NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES page.
Want to know about our collaborations? - check out the COLLABORATORS page.
You can learn more about who we are on the People page and what we do on the Research page.
If you are interested in joining us, check out the NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES page.
Want to know about our collaborations? - check out the COLLABORATORS page.
All photos on this website © K Cain, contact for use.
KEYWORDS: Competitive traits, sex differences, mating systems, individual variation, testosterone, aggression, digit ratio, social selection, ornaments, armaments, female song, female weapons female ornaments colourful colorful females, animal model, sexually antagonistic selection, maternal effects, yolk hormones, 2d:4d, natural variation, opportunity for selection, natural selection, fitness, reproductive success, female-female aggression, female-female competition, Malurus, Erythrura, Maluridae, testosterone, ecological change, gonadotropin releasing hormone, GnRH, lutenizing hormone, H