Alasdair Houston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alasdair Houston
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|
|---|---|
| Born |
Alasdair Iain Houston
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| Nationality | English |
| Education | University of Oxford |
| Known for | Behavioural ecology |
| Awards | (with John McNamara) ASAB Medal (2013) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Ecology Evolutionary biology |
| Institutions | University of Bristol |
| Thesis | Models of animal motivation (1977) |
Alasdair Iain Houston is an English scientist. He studies how living things interact with their environment. He also looks at how different species change over time. This field is called evolutionary biology.
Professor Houston is well-known for his work in behavioural ecology. This area of science explores why animals behave the way they do. He is a professor at the University of Bristol. In 2012, he became a member of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group of scientists.
Contents
What Does an Ecologist Do?
An ecologist studies how living things connect with each other. They also look at how living things interact with their surroundings. This includes plants, animals, and even tiny microbes.
Understanding Ecosystems
Ecology helps us understand ecosystems. An ecosystem is like a big natural neighborhood. It includes all the living things and non-living things in an area. For example, a forest is an ecosystem. It has trees, animals, soil, and water.
Why is Ecology Important?
Studying ecology helps us protect our planet. It teaches us about climate change. It also shows us how to save endangered species. Ecologists help us make smart choices for the environment.
Exploring Evolutionary Biology
Evolutionary biology is another field Alasdair Houston studies. This science looks at how life on Earth has changed. It explains how new species appear over long periods. It also shows how existing species adapt.
How Species Change Over Time
Evolution happens through a process called natural selection. This means that living things with helpful traits are more likely to survive. They then pass these traits to their children. Over many generations, these small changes add up. This can lead to new species.
Why Evolution Matters
Understanding evolution helps us in many ways. It explains why different animals look and act differently. It also helps us understand diseases. For example, it shows how germs can become resistant to medicines.
Behavioural Ecology: Animal Choices
Alasdair Houston is especially famous for his work in behavioural ecology. This field combines ecology and evolution. It focuses on why animals behave in certain ways. It also looks at how these behaviors help them survive.
Why Do Animals Do What They Do?
Imagine a bird looking for food. Why does it choose one spot over another? Behavioural ecologists like Professor Houston try to answer these questions. They study things like:
- How animals find food.
- How they choose a mate.
- How they avoid predators.
- How they raise their young.
Making Smart Decisions
Animals often make choices that help them stay alive. These choices can be about finding the best food. They can also be about finding a safe place to live. Professor Houston's research helps us understand these complex decisions. He uses math and models to predict animal behavior.
Alasdair Houston's Contributions
Professor Houston has spent his career studying these topics. His work has helped us learn a lot about animals. He has shown how evolution shapes animal behavior. He has also explained how animals make decisions in their environment.
Awards and Recognition
In 2013, Alasdair Houston received the ASAB Medal. He shared this award with another scientist, John McNamara. This medal is given for important work in animal behavior. Being elected to the Royal Society is also a big honor. It shows that his work is highly valued by other scientists.
