SMS scnews item created by Eric Hester at Fri 13 Apr 2018 1347
Type: Seminar
Modified: Mon 16 Apr 2018 1319; Mon 16 Apr 2018 1331; Mon 16 Apr 2018 1331; Mon 16 Apr 2018 1332
Distribution: World
Expiry: 8 Jun 2018
Calendar1: 16 Apr 2018 1700-1800
CalLoc1: Carslaw 351
CalTitle1: Mathematical modelling of the evolution of human behavioural strategies
Auth: erich@10.17.12.167 (ehes5653) in SMS-WASM

# MaPSS: Maths Postgraduate Seminar Series: Loo -- Mathematical modelling of the evolution of human behavioural strategies

UPDATE: Due to the scheduled power outage, the seminar will now be held at
Carslaw 351, at the same time.

The next MaPSS seminar will be held today at 17:00 in Carslaw 351.
It’s a great opportunity to see an interesting talk, meet some fellow postgrads,
and get some free pizza and soft drink.

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Speaker: Sara Loo (The University of Sydney)

Title: Mathematical modelling of the evolution of human behavioural strategies

Abstract: Human behaviour has evolved from the behaviour of our ancestors,
adapting to new and changing environments, and changes to population behaviours.
Hypotheses of the origins and mechanisms of these uniquely human behaviours
have been presented throughout anthropological literature. We attempt to quantify
these hypotheses using techniques such as differential equations and systems analysis.
One such question is that of human pair bonding. Where paternal care has been widely
assumed to be the cause of pair bonding, we develop a model that favours the
alternate explanation of mate guarding. We show that pairing is favoured when payoffs
to mate guarding rise with the mating sex ratio. A further question considers
the evolution of large-game hunting in human life history. Another counter-intuitive
behaviour, investment into this costly behaviour pays-off by way of increased likelihood
of paternity, despite the cost to offspring care.

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See you there!

Details can also be found on the school’s new Postgraduate Society website:
http://www.maths.usyd.edu.au/u/MaPS/mapss.html

Cheers,
Eric


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