We investigate how mating behaviour shapes animal evolution

– Studying evolution means understanding reproduction, how genes are passed from one generation to the next. It’s about both how individuals “market” themselves to get a mate, and what happens afterwards, when sperm and eggs interact.

What are you most interested in?

I am particularly interested in understanding what causes the diversity in animal mating behavior. Nothing is free when it comes to evolution. If animals invest too much in one part of reproduction, such as attracting a mate, there is always a cost somewhere else, such as a shorter lifespan or a weakened immune system. Understanding how animals invest in reproduction helps us understand the diversity in animal mating behavior.

So how do animals choose their partners?

– There are many factors at play, such as scent, appearance, behaviour and other signals. What we are trying to understand is how animals use these factors when choosing a mate. In human terms, the person you like in a photograph may not be the same person you would choose as a partner in real life. The same applies to animals. For students, this is often a real eye-opener: they frequently assume that the choices animals make are simple.

Why do you study fish?

– We study fish because they are an excellent model for all vertebrates: half of all vertebrate species on Earth are fish. They provide a great arena for thinking about how to answer complex biological questions. We study both marine and freshwater fish, and different types of fish can answer different questions.

How do you obtain your research results?

– For us, it is important to study behaviour in a natural environment, but it is equally important to confirm new insights in the laboratory. In the wild, animals are influenced by many factors: the risk of being eaten by predators, whether it is sunny or cloudy, and whether the water is flowing quickly or slowly.

Why is Stockholm University a good place for research?

– We have an international and dynamic research environment where ideas are shared openly and there is very little hierarchy. If you have an idea, you can always approach someone to discuss it. It is a fantastic way of working when you truly want to get to the heart of science.

What does your contact with students mean to you?

– It is wonderful to be able to discuss evolution with students. The most rewarding moment is when a lecture changes the way a student sees the world. My goal as a teacher is for students to learn to think independently. They shouldn’t rely on getting all the answers from their lecturers. If we can teach students to think for themselves, it will help them not only now, but throughout their lives, in situations we cannot even anticipate.