Background:
As urban landscapes continue to expand, they significantly impact biodiversity, shaping behaviours and interactions within ecosystems. Among the species adapting to these environments, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a notable example due to its longstanding association with human settlements. Historically, house sparrows have thrived in human landscapes, benefiting from the resources presented by human populations. This raises questions about the mechanisms enabling these birds to adapt to urban settings and how their signalling and behaviours have evolved.
Signalling between individuals can be particularly influenced in these urban environments. Behaviours such as vocal communication can be greatly affect by factors such as anthropogenic noise, with reports of urban birds shifting their frequency ranges as a result. Other aspects of signalling such as visual cues and mating behaviours may be affected. Therefore, this project will investigate how urbanisation affects house sparrow signalling behaviour, focusing on vocal and visual adaptations to anthropogenic pressures and potential changes in behaviour.
We are seeking:
An enthusiastic MSc student with a strong interest in evolutionary biology and behavioural ecology, particularly in the context of urban environments. The ideal candidate will possess a readiness to engage with fieldwork, collecting and analysing morphological, acoustic and behavioural data from rural and urban populations of house sparrows in Oslo, working with collaborators in Norway and Europe.
What you will learn:
You will learn how to answer ecological questions and gain hands-on experience in field research techniques and bird handling. You will acquire skills in data collection, management, and analysis specifically related to bioacoustics and animal behaviour in urban landscapes. The experience gained will prepare you for future PhD applications or future professional ecology roles in industry.
What We Offer:
We provide a dynamic and collaborative research team dedicated to understanding adaptations and life history in a range of systems. We hold regular lab meetings, fostering an environment where ideas can be exchanged freely. Additionally, you will receive practical training to build essential skills that will enhance your research capabilities and prepare you for your future career.