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