Overview
Background
My research group studies animal performance in the laboratory and in the field. We focus on discovering the underlying mechanistic basis of physical performance and it's implications for an individual's survival and reproductive success. We’re particularly interested in how organisms respond to environmental variation, such as seasonal or long-term temperature change, and the costs of these responses to other traits. We examine interactions between behavioural, physiological and morphological traits to better understand how animal performance is optimised. Furthermore, we want to understand how an organism’s performance relates to population-level processes, enabling better conservation practices in urban and wild habitats. Our research is question-driven, and we use a variety of model systems in our studies, including freshwater fish, crayfish, reptiles, marsupials, and humans.
Current projects
- Importance of performance, life history and behaviour to male mating success in the semelparous marsupial the northern quoll
- Relative importance of athleticism, skill and balance to success in complex human activities - focus on soccer players
- When and why do animals lie? Testing hypotheses of deceit and discovering its role in determining animal performance
Availability
- Professor Robbie Wilson is:
- Available for supervision
Works
Search Professor Robbie Wilson’s works on UQ eSpace
2010
Conference Publication
Costs and benefits of a sexually selected ornament in male threadfin rainbowfish, Iriatherina werneri
Condon, C. H., Trappett, A. G., White, C. R. and Wilson, R. S. (2010). Costs and benefits of a sexually selected ornament in male threadfin rainbowfish, Iriatherina werneri. Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Integrative-and-Comparative-Biology, Seattle Wa, Jan 03-07, 2010. CARY: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC.
2010
Conference Publication
Effects of resource availability on dung beetle abundance and male horn size in Australian urban forest fragments
Barth, B. J., Fitzgibbon, S., Carter, A. J. and Wilson, R. S. (2010). Effects of resource availability on dung beetle abundance and male horn size in Australian urban forest fragments. Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Integrative-and-Comparative-Biology, Seattle Wa, Jan 03-07, 2010. CARY: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC.
2010
Conference Publication
Costs and benefits of unreliable signalling in males of the two-toned fiddler crab (Uca vomeris)
Bywater, C. L. and Wilson, R. S. (2010). Costs and benefits of unreliable signalling in males of the two-toned fiddler crab (Uca vomeris). Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Integrative-and-Comparative-Biology, Seattle Wa, Jan 03-07, 2010. CARY: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC.
2010
Conference Publication
Can temperature drive the intensity of male-male competition across a latitudinal cline?
Cameron, S. F. and Wilson, R. S. (2010). Can temperature drive the intensity of male-male competition across a latitudinal cline?. Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Integrative-and-Comparative-Biology, Seattle Wa, Jan 03-07, 2010. CARY: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC.
2010
Conference Publication
Females prefer athletes, males fear the disadvantaged: Different signals used in female choice and male competition have varied consequences
Wilson, Robbie S., Condon, Catriona H., David, Gwendolyn, FitzGibbon, Sean, Niehaus, Amanda C. and Pratt, Kirstin (2010). Females prefer athletes, males fear the disadvantaged: Different signals used in female choice and male competition have varied consequences. London, United Kingdom: The Royal Society Publishing. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2009.2196
2010
Journal Article
Physiological and behavioural responses to seasonal changes in environmental temperature in the Australian spiny crayfish Euastacus sulcatus
Lowe, Katrin, FitzGibbon, Sean, Seebacher, Frank and Wilson, Robbie S. (2010). Physiological and behavioural responses to seasonal changes in environmental temperature in the Australian spiny crayfish Euastacus sulcatus. Journal of Comparative Physiology B: Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology, 180 (5), 653-660. doi: 10.1007/s00360-010-0445-2
2010
Journal Article
Life in acid: Interactive effects of pH and natural organic acids on growth, development and locomotor performance of larval striped marsh frogs (Limnodynastes peronii)
Barth, B. J. and Wilson, R. S. (2010). Life in acid: Interactive effects of pH and natural organic acids on growth, development and locomotor performance of larval striped marsh frogs (Limnodynastes peronii). Journal of Experimental Biology, 213 (8), 1293-1300. doi: 10.1242/jeb.028472
2010
Journal Article
Risk of predation enhances the lethal effects of UV-B in amphibians
Alton, L.A., Wilson, R.S. and Franklin, C.E. (2010). Risk of predation enhances the lethal effects of UV-B in amphibians. Global Change Biology, 16 (2), 538-545. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2486.2009.02010.x
2010
Conference Publication
Cooler temperaturews increase sensitivity to ultraviolet B radiation in embryos and larvae of the frog Limnodynastes peronii
Van Uitregt, V. O., Wilson, R. S. and Franklin, C. E. (2010). Cooler temperaturews increase sensitivity to ultraviolet B radiation in embryos and larvae of the frog Limnodynastes peronii. Annual Meeting of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Seattle, WA, United States, 3-7 January 2010. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.
2010
Conference Publication
Unraveling the mystery of koala vocalisations: acoustic sensor network and GPS technology reveals males bellow to serenade females
Ellis, WA, Fitzgibbon, SI, Roe, P, Bercovitch, FB and Wilson, R (2010). Unraveling the mystery of koala vocalisations: acoustic sensor network and GPS technology reveals males bellow to serenade females. Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Integrative-and-Comparative-Biology, Seattle WA, JAN 03-07, 2010.
2010
Book Chapter
Environmental influences on unsteady swimming behaviour: consequences for predatorprey and mating encounters in teleosts
Wilson, R. S., Lefrançois, C., Domenici, P. and Johnston, I. A. (2010). Environmental influences on unsteady swimming behaviour: consequences for predatorprey and mating encounters in teleosts. Fish locomotion: an eco-ethological perspective. (pp. 281-307) edited by Paolo Domenici and B.G. Kapoor. Boca Raton, FL, United States: CRC Press. doi: 10.1201/b10190
2010
Book Chapter
Environmental influences on unsteady swimming behaviour : Consequences for predator-prey and mating encounters in teleosts
Wilson, R. S., Lefrancois, C., Domenici, P. and Johnston, I. A. (2010). Environmental influences on unsteady swimming behaviour : Consequences for predator-prey and mating encounters in teleosts. Fish locomotion: An eco-ethological perspective. (pp. 269-295) edited by Paolo Domenici and B.G. Kapoor.. Enfield, NH, U.S.A.: Science Publishers. doi: 10.1201/b10190-10
2009
Journal Article
Cockroaches breathe discontinuously to reduce respiratory water loss
Schimpf, NG, Matthews, PGD, Wilson, RS and White, CR (2009). Cockroaches breathe discontinuously to reduce respiratory water loss. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY, 212 (17), 2773-2780. doi: 10.1242/jeb.031310
2009
Conference Publication
Thermal dependence of inducible defences in mosquito larvae
Van Uitregt, Vincent O., Wilson, Robbie S. and Hurst, Tim (2009). Thermal dependence of inducible defences in mosquito larvae. Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Experimental-Biology, Glasgow Scotland, Jun 28-Jul 01, 2009. NEW YORK: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.04.353
2009
Conference Publication
Costs and benefits of predator induced behaviour in larvae of the urban mosquito (Aedes notoscriptus)
Van Uitregt, Vincent O., Wilson, Robbie S. and Hurst, Tim (2009). Costs and benefits of predator induced behaviour in larvae of the urban mosquito (Aedes notoscriptus). Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Experimental-Biology, Glasgow Scotland, Jun 28-Jul 01, 2009. NEW YORK: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.04.315
2009
Conference Publication
What makes a great footballer? Trade-offs between athleticism and skill in human performance
Wilson, Robbie S. (2009). What makes a great footballer? Trade-offs between athleticism and skill in human performance. Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Experimental-Biology, Glasgow Scotland, Jun 28-Jul 01, 2009. NEW YORK: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.04.170
2009
Journal Article
Costs and benefits of increased weapon size differ between sexes of the slender crayfish, Cherax dispar
Wilson, RS, James, RS, Bywater, C and Seebacher, F (2009). Costs and benefits of increased weapon size differ between sexes of the slender crayfish, Cherax dispar. Journal of Experimental Biology, 212 (6), 853-858. doi: 10.1242/jeb.024547
2009
Conference Publication
Mixed signals: thermal performance of zebrafish Danio rerio in uncertain environments
Condon, C. H., Chenoweth, S. F. and Wilson, R. S. (2009). Mixed signals: thermal performance of zebrafish Danio rerio in uncertain environments. Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Integrative-and-Comparative-Biology, Boston Ma, Jan 03-07, 2009. CARY: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC.
2009
Conference Publication
Diving and digestion - the effect of an elevated metabolic rate on submergence in an aquatic ectotherm
Pratt, K. L., Wilson, R. S., Blomberg, S. P. and Franklin, C. E. (2009). Diving and digestion - the effect of an elevated metabolic rate on submergence in an aquatic ectotherm. Annual Meeting of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Boston, MA, 3-7 January, 2009. United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/icb/icp002
2009
Conference Publication
Unreliable signals of strength in male slender crayfish (Cherax dispar): costs of enlarged claws and the importance of resources during disputes
Wilson, R. S., Oliver, J., Goldizen, A. and Blomberg, S. (2009). Unreliable signals of strength in male slender crayfish (Cherax dispar): costs of enlarged claws and the importance of resources during disputes. Annual Meeting of the Society form Integrative and Comparative Biology, Boston, MA, United States, 3-7 January 2009. Oxford, United Kingdom,: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/icb/icp002
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Robbie Wilson is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Modelling the fine-scale behaviour, movement, and habitat use of free-range Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in southeast Queensland to predict and prevent risk of mortality
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Diana Fisher
-
Doctor Philosophy
Modelling the fine-scale behaviour, movement, and habitat use of free-range Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in southeast Queensland to predict and prevent risk of mortality
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Diana Fisher
-
Doctor Philosophy
Optimal running speeds during predator-prey interactions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Diana Fisher
-
Doctor Philosophy
Modelling the fine-scale behaviour, movement, and habitat use of free-range Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in southeast Queensland to predict and prevent risk of mortality
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Diana Fisher
-
Doctor Philosophy
Human impacts on wildlife sociality
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Luskin
Completed supervision
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Movement behaviour and locomotor performance in a small Australian marsupial, the northern brown bandicoot (Isoodon macrourus)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Taylor Dick
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Using analyses of technical skill and small-sided games to improve talent identification in soccer
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Daniel Ortiz-Barrientos
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Behavioural and physiological traits of the endangered marsupial, the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Diana Fisher
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Ecology and reproduction of the world's largest semelparous mammal, the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus).
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Daniel Ortiz-Barrientos
-
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Thermal adaptation and acclimation in an intertidal goby (Bathygobius cocosensis)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Cynthia Riginos
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Predicting the movement speeds of animals in natural environments
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Diana Fisher
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
How does environmental Manganese affect the health and performance of Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) on Groote Eylandt?
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Daniel Ortiz-Barrientos
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Sex-specific variation in morphology and performance in the Asian house gecko
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Daniel Ortiz-Barrientos
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Evolutionary perspectives on human cooperation in sport
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Daniel Ortiz-Barrientos
-
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
The effect of urbanisation on wildlife communities
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Sean FitzGibbon
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
Phenotypic and genetic constraints on the reversible acclimation of thermal performance curves in the zebrafish, Danio rerio.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Steve Chenoweth
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
Temperature effects on the costs of inducible behavioural defences in prey
Principal Advisor
-
2010
Doctor Philosophy
The extent, effects and dynamics of amphibian chytridiomycosis in Australia
Principal Advisor
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Consequences of ultraviolet-B exposure regime on physiological carryover effects in amphibians
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Rebecca Cramp, Professor Craig Franklin
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Integrating 3D geometric morphometrics with taxonomy, evolution and ecology in two threatened marsupial taxa
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Simone Blomberg
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Conservation of Australian insectivorous marsupials: biogeography, macroecology and life history
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Diana Fisher
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
The role of sloughing on the pathophysiology of chytridiomycosis in amphibians
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Rebecca Cramp, Professor Craig Franklin
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Phylogeography and population genetics of Australian freshwater rainbowfishes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Cynthia Riginos, Associate Professor Lyn Cook
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
The Genetic Architecture and Evolution of Continuous Reaction Norms: Dissecting the Thermal Performance Curve
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Steve Chenoweth
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
The interactive effects of ultraviolet-B radiation and other environmental stressors on amphibians
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Craig Franklin
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
Metabolic rate, respiratory partitioning and the implications for dive duration in the bimodally respiring Arafura filesnake, Acrochordus arafurae
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Craig Franklin
Media
Enquiries
For media enquiries about Professor Robbie Wilson's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: