The use of vertebrate model systems to study social evolution

The use of vertebrate model systems to study social evolution

15 – 18 August 2009, Adelboden, Bernese Alps, Switzerland

Invited speakers:

Prof. Nadia Aubin-Horth, Université de Montréal, Canada

Prof. Sigal Balshine, McMaster University, Canada

Prof. Tim Clutton-Brock, University of Cambridge, UK

Prof. Jan Komdeur, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Netherlands

Dr. David S. Richardson, University of East Anglia, UK

Summary:

To understand the evolution of complex social organization (including

structured groups, cooperation between group members, task sharing,

individualized relationships, divergent social roles) we need suitable

model systems that (1) dispose of the required complexity of social

organization, (2) allow to observe and measure relevant traits and their

fitness effects in the field, and (3) enable performance of crucial

experiments to unravel underlying ultimate and proximate mechanisms of

advanced sociality. Among vertebrates, there are a few model systems that

fulfil these criteria, like meerkats, Seychelles warblers and Lake

Tanganyika cichlids. The aim of this symposium is to provide

state-of-the-art insight into the mechanisms underlying advanced social

behaviour by bringing together experts studying respective model systems

in mammals, birds and fishes.

Structure of the symposium:

Invited speakers and other participants who wish to contribute to the

theme of the symposium will present relevant results and overviews of

the(ir) research on the respective model systems. In the discussion, we

shall emphasize the involved ultimate and proximate mechanisms and attempt

to compare them between different vertebrate taxa to understand the

importance of intrinsic differences in their biology. We shall further

discuss the pros and cons of the respective model systems to unravel

general principles of social evolution. We expect that at the end of this

symposium the participants will dispose of a good understanding of some of

the most complex and best studied model systems of social evolution.

Where and when:

The symposium will take place in Adelboden, an alpine village in the

Bernese Alps ( http://www.adelboden.ch/en/navpage-SummerAB.html ). The venue is

the high-altitude holiday resort Crea ( http://www.hotel-crea.ch/adelboden/ )

that combines the convenience of a nice setting in a breathtaking landscape with

the practical amenities of a well-proven seminar venue. It is within easy reach

by public transport from any Swiss city. For all details of the meeting and

registration please consult: http://behav.zoology.unibe.ch/index.php?pp=56&p=66

Registration until 1 July 2009 at: marlis.gerteis@iee.unibe.ch

Credits:1-2 ECTS can be obtained, depending on the contribution of the

participant Organizer: Michael Taborsky, University of Bern

( michael.taborsky@iee.unibe.ch )