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My research focuses on the evolution, interaction, and interdependence of sociality, communication, and cooperation. The evolution of sociality remains a significant focus for behavioral ecologists. Communication and cooperation are closely tied to sociality and the three appear interdependent. A significant research effort has focused on each component in isolation; but how the three interact, how interdependent they are, and which, if any, precedes the others remain open questions (Figure 1). My work aims to understand each of these phenomena in isolation and combination.
To achieve these aims, I use long term field studies of hyenas in Africa, experimental laboratory-based studies of social arachnids, and theoretical modeling. I employ a variety of tools and techniques including, but not limited to field observation, generalized linear mixed modeling, acoustic and visual analyses, machine learning, simulated evolution, computer programming, social networking, and histology.
To achieve these aims, I use long term field studies of hyenas in Africa, experimental laboratory-based studies of social arachnids, and theoretical modeling. I employ a variety of tools and techniques including, but not limited to field observation, generalized linear mixed modeling, acoustic and visual analyses, machine learning, simulated evolution, computer programming, social networking, and histology.
Modeling suggests that repeated social interactions can stabilize communication and cooperation by imposing honesty and preventing cheating. Social relationships provide additional information about communication signals and facilitate cooperation. At the same time, communication can reduce the potential costs of intergroup competition by mediating social interactions and promoting social bonding. Communication can facilitate cooperation in real time and provide information about a conspecific’s intentions or future cooperative behavior. Finally, cooperation is a benefit of sociality and can reinforce social relationships. My lab will use the hyena and arachnids, including the social pseudoscorpion pictured here, to study sociality, communication, cooperation, and their interdependencies.