Among other things, the sexual roles of the Madagascar lemur, the choice of partners of the Iberian emerald lizard, the change of sex of the hydra, and the parenting behaviour of cuckoos will be discussed at the 3-day conference held at the DAB Building. The international research programme studying the social behaviour of shore birds was launched last year and is lead by Tamás Székely, ethology professor of the University of Debrecen. This programme is the only one in Debrecen that is supported by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office in the framework of the Élvonal Research Excellence Programme with HUF 229 million, along with 11 other Hungarian programmes.

- At the conference participants can learn about the behavioural aspects of sexual roles, including courting, competing, "flexing", attachment and parenting. We invited scientists from all over the world who are recognised experts in the subject of sexual roles. They will talk about many unique species and research methods – said professor Tamás Székely.

At the opening ceremony professor Székely spoke about the milestones in the history of evolutionary biology and behavioural ecology, and about the beginning of teaching and researching evolutionary biology at UD, highlighting the role of Professor Zoltán Varga. The professor emeritus of the Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology also talked about the evolutionary background of the changed sex ratio in butterflies.

 

On Saturday, Hungarian and foreign researchers will present details about the international programme studying the social behaviour of shore birds, with special regard to the findings displayed on the cover of the journal Science, which prove the effect of climate change on the nesting behaviour of shore birds. The conference will conclude on Sunday with a trip to the Hortobágy National Park.

Press Office