Postgraduate Student Profile
Daniel Reed
Email:
d.t.reed@newcastle.ac.uk
Website: http://colintosh.webs.com/danreed.htm
Research Interests
My research to date has focused on animal behaviour, specifically looking at the behaviour of pollinators when foraging and activity around the nest entrance. This work has mainly concentrated on pollinator learning and how odours influence behaviour. Pollinators around the world are in decline and any knowledge that helps us to understand the possible reasons why this is happening could be useful when trying to reverse this trend.
Project
The Evolution of Niche Width
I am currently studying for a PhD entitled ‘The Evolution of Niche Width’. My research includes using computer modelling techniques to investigate the mechanisms that drive ecological speciation. The level of specialisation in some species, especially many insect species, can often be a major factor in speciation. I am comparing differences in specialisation and generalisation to provide an insight into how these factors influence decision accuracy.
Additional activities
I have been involved with several projects that aimed to educate the public about pollinators. This ranged from identification of different insect groups to which plants will encourage these insects into a garden.
