From individual differences to collective animal behaviour

Dr. Jolle Jolles, Senior Research Scientist at CEAB-CSIC, Spain will give a talk to the Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences.

Title: “From individual differences to collective animal behaviour”.

Phenotypic variation among individuals is a fundamental characteristic of animal populations, with profound social, ecological, and evolutionary implications. This individual heterogeneity, expressed through consistent behavioral differences, is increasingly recognized as a key driver of collective animal behavior. In this talk, I will explore how these individual differences influence group dynamics, focusing on findings from sophisticated laboratory experiments with fish. I will discuss the consistency and plasticity of behavioral traits, the origins of distinct behavioral types, and their impact on collective behavior and group functioning. Additionally, I will delve into the mechanisms underlying animal movement and leadership within groups and present a general framework for understanding the role of individual heterogeneity in shaping collective animal behavior. To conclude, I will place this work within the broader context of environmental change, focusing on the individual and social mechanisms by which animal populations cope with environmental challenges, and highlight my ongoing research into how freshwater fish populations respond to severe droughts.

The biology seminar series schedule can be explored at https://luvs.hi.is/is/friday-biology-seminars