Bob Wong Lecture

When:
Tuesday,
12 March 2019
Time:
6-7pm
Where:
Austin Lecture Theatre, Arts Building, UWA
Ramp access is available via Reid Library west
Cost:
Free
Audience:
General Public, Faculty/Staff, Students, Alumni

Book a seat

Bee and butterfly

Let’s Talk About Sex: an evolutionary perspective

A public lecture by Professor Bob Wong, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University and UWA Institute of Advanced Studies Visiting Fellow.

The pursuit of sex is a potent evolutionary force, responsible for much of the weird and wonderful diversity of life – from the tail of the peacock to the complex genitalia of insects. Sexual reproduction can also be the source of considerable conflict between males and females (including in humans).

This talk will explore the ‘battle of the sexes’ by examining how differences in the evolutionary interests of males and females can influence individual reproductive success and offspring quality, and how the pursuit of mating opportunities by members of one sex can result in harm to the other. Within this context, the talk will discuss the role of sexual conflict and sexual selection in shaping human reproduction, behaviour and society.

Bob Wong is a behavioural and evolutionary ecologist based in the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University. Bob received his PhD from the Australian National University and completed postdoctoral stints at Boston University and the University of Helsinki before joining Monash. Research in Bob’s Group focuses on mate choice and reproductive investment, and how human-induced environmental change affects animal behaviour.  Work undertaken in the group encompasses a wide range of species, from insects to fish.