Research
Evolution in a Social Setting
In general, an individual's actions can affect its evolutionary success as well the evolutionary success of those around it. In other words, actions can have both personal and social consequences. Understanding these kind of actions is the main focus of my research group.
One of the key things we work to uncover is the adaptive significance of an individual's actions in a social setting. If actions are indeed adaptive, then what purpose can we ascribe to them? Do they help families secure resources? Do they promote a neighbour's ability to attract mates? Do they reduce competition among cousins?
Currently my group is investigating the adaptive significance of helpful behaviour, pathogen virulence, and strategies used during conflicts. Although our research is theoretical in nature, we derive our motivation from real-world scenarios.
