Obiettivo The approach to animal behaviour adopted by behavioural ecology is based on the investigation of the adaptive function of behaviour. A common assumption is that the action of natural selection on behaviour can be predicted without reference to processes inside the organism. I believe that it is time to combine an analysis based on evolution with one based on mechanisms, where a mechanism might be psychological, physiological or a combination of both. Animals have mechanisms that need to perform well in changing and dangerous environments. In order to understand the evolution of mechanisms, we need a fundamental change in the sort of models that are analysed. Instead of building complex models of optimal behaviour in simple environments, we need to evolve simple mechanisms that perform well in complex environments. This approach can provide a novel and unified perspective on a range of issues involving decisions by animals, including humans. The main objective of the project is to provide a comprehensive view of behaviour that can account for both adaptive and non-adaptive actions. This involves developing a novel theoretical framework based on an understanding of the underlying information-processing rules, combined with an evolutionary perspective that explains how any such rule came into existence in the first place. The theme of coping with uncertain and dangerous environments is used to investigate various features of behaviour such as rationality and self-control. These topics lead to the broader issues of the organisation of thought and emotions. The project also explores the consequences of the evolved behaviour and the implications for conservation and animal welfare. Campo scientifico natural sciencesbiological sciencesecologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiological behavioural sciencesbehavioural ecologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiological behavioural sciencesethology Programma(i) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Argomento(i) ERC-AG-LS8 - ERC Advanced Grant - Evolutionary, population and environmental biology Invito a presentare proposte ERC-2009-AdG Vedi altri progetti per questo bando Meccanismo di finanziamento ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Istituzione ospitante UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL Contributo UE € 1 749 277,00 Indirizzo BEACON HOUSE QUEENS ROAD BS8 1QU Bristol Regno Unito Mostra sulla mappa Regione South West (England) Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area Bristol, City of Tipo di attività Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Ricercatore principale Alasdair Iain Houston (Prof.) Contatto amministrativo Maria Davies (Ms.) Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Costo totale Nessun dato Beneficiari (1) Classifica in ordine alfabetico Classifica per Contributo UE Espandi tutto Riduci tutto UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL Regno Unito Contributo UE € 1 749 277,00 Indirizzo BEACON HOUSE QUEENS ROAD BS8 1QU Bristol Mostra sulla mappa Regione South West (England) Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area Bristol, City of Tipo di attività Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Ricercatore principale Alasdair Iain Houston (Prof.) Contatto amministrativo Maria Davies (Ms.) Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Costo totale Nessun dato