Hudson seminar: “Let's talk about sex: an evolutionary perspective”, 22 March

This week's Hudson seminar will be held Thursday 22nd March 12pm-1pm in Seminar Rooms 1 & 2, Level 2, TRF Building. 

Our speaker will be A/Prof Bob Wong, School of BIological Sciences, Monash University.

He will be presenting “Let's talk about sex: an evolutionary perspective”

Bob Wong is an Associate Professor in Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology in the School of Biological Sciences, Monash University.  His research focuses on the evolution of animal mating systems and behaviour, and how investment in sex influences reproductive strategies and biological diversity. Research in his group encompasses a wide range of species, from insects and lizards to fish and humans.

The pursuit of sex is a potent evolutionary force, responsible for much of the weird and wonderful diversity of life on Earth –from the tail of the peacock to the complex genitalia of insects. Sexual reproduction can also be the source of considerable evolutionary conflict between males and females (including in humans). This talk will discuss how fundamental differences in male and female gametes have led to an asymmetry between the sexes in the allocation of resources into mating and offspring.It will examine how the divergent evolutionary interests of males and females can influence individual reproductive success and offspring quality, and how the pursuit of reproductive opportunities by members of one sex can result in harm to the other. Within that context, the talk will explore the role of sexual conflict in shaping human reproduction and behaviour, its influence on modern human society, and potential implications for medical research.

A light lunch and refreshments will follow this presentation.