Professor Robbie Wilson
Professor

Robbie Wilson

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 52773

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

Fields of research

Ecology Zoology

Search Professor Robbie Wilson’s works on UQ eSpace

204 works between 1998 and 2025
All (204) Journal Article (145) Other Outputs (1) Conference Publication (54) Book Chapter (4)

161 - 180 of 204 works

2007

Journal Article

Testing the beneflts of acclimation to reproductive performance in male mosquitofish

Wilson, R. S. (2007). Testing the beneflts of acclimation to reproductive performance in male mosquitofish. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A-Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 146 (4), S205-S205. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.01.455

Testing the beneflts of acclimation to reproductive performance in male mosquitofish

2007

Journal Article

Consequences of thermal acclimation for the mating behaviour and swimming performance of female mosquito fish

Wilson, R. S., Condon, C. H. L. and Johnston, I. A. (2007). Consequences of thermal acclimation for the mating behaviour and swimming performance of female mosquito fish. Philosophical Transactions of The Royal Society B-Biological Sciences, 362 (1487), 2131-2139. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2007.2106

Consequences of thermal acclimation for the mating behaviour and swimming performance of female mosquito fish

2007

Journal Article

Explosive jumping: Extreme morphological and physiological specialisations of Australian Rocket frogs (Litoria nasuta)

James, R. and Wilson, R. (2007). Explosive jumping: Extreme morphological and physiological specialisations of Australian Rocket frogs (Litoria nasuta). Comparative Biochemistry And Physiology A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 146 (4 (Supplement)), S113-S113. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.01.195

Explosive jumping: Extreme morphological and physiological specialisations of Australian Rocket frogs (Litoria nasuta)

2007

Journal Article

Dishonest signals of strength in male slender crayfish (Cherax dispar) during agonistic encounters

Wilson, R. S., Angilletta, M. J., James, R. S., Navas, C. and Seebacher, F. (2007). Dishonest signals of strength in male slender crayfish (Cherax dispar) during agonistic encounters. American Naturalist, 170 (2), 284-291. doi: 10.1086/519399

Dishonest signals of strength in male slender crayfish (Cherax dispar) during agonistic encounters

2006

Journal Article

Effect of thermal acclimation on female resistance to forced matings in the eastern mosquitofish

Condon, Catriona H. L. and Wilson, Robbie S. (2006). Effect of thermal acclimation on female resistance to forced matings in the eastern mosquitofish. Animal Behaviour, 72 (3), 585-593. doi: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2005.11.016

Effect of thermal acclimation on female resistance to forced matings in the eastern mosquitofish

2006

Journal Article

Coadaptation: A unifying principle in evolutionary thermal biology

Angilletta, M. J., Bennett, A. F., Guderley, H., Navas, C. A., Seebacher, F. and Wilson, R. S. (2006). Coadaptation: A unifying principle in evolutionary thermal biology. Physiological And Biochemical Zoology, 79 (2), 282-294. doi: 10.1086/499990

Coadaptation: A unifying principle in evolutionary thermal biology

2006

Journal Article

Substantial changes in the genetic basis of tadpole morphology of Rana lessonae in the presence of predators

Kraft, P. G., Wilson, R. S., Franklin, C. E. and Blows, M. W. (2006). Substantial changes in the genetic basis of tadpole morphology of Rana lessonae in the presence of predators. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 19 (6), 1813-1818. doi: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2006.01185.x

Substantial changes in the genetic basis of tadpole morphology of Rana lessonae in the presence of predators

2006

Conference Publication

Interindividual variation in the muscle physiology of vertebrate ectotherms: Consequences for behavioral and ecological performance

Navas, CA, James, RS and Wilson, RS (2006). Interindividual variation in the muscle physiology of vertebrate ectotherms: Consequences for behavioral and ecological performance. Symposium on Ecology and Biomechanics held at the Annual Meeting of the Society-for-Experimental-Biology, Edinburgh Scotland, Apr, 2004. BOCA RATON: CRC PRESS-TAYLOR & FRANCIS GROUP.

Interindividual variation in the muscle physiology of vertebrate ectotherms: Consequences for behavioral and ecological performance

2006

Book Chapter

Interindividual variation in the muscle physiology of vertebrate ectotherms: Consequences for behavioral and ecological performance

Navas, A., James, R. S. and Wilson, R. S. (2006). Interindividual variation in the muscle physiology of vertebrate ectotherms: Consequences for behavioral and ecological performance. Ecology and Biomechanics. (pp. 231-252) edited by Anthony Herrel; Thomas Speck; Nicholas P. Rowe. United States: CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group.

Interindividual variation in the muscle physiology of vertebrate ectotherms: Consequences for behavioral and ecological performance

2006

Journal Article

Fighting fit: thermal plasticity of metabolic function and fighting success in the crayfish Cherax destructor

Seebacher, F. and Wilson, R. S. (2006). Fighting fit: thermal plasticity of metabolic function and fighting success in the crayfish Cherax destructor. Functional Ecology, 20 (6), 1045-1053. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2006.01194.x

Fighting fit: thermal plasticity of metabolic function and fighting success in the crayfish Cherax destructor

2006

Journal Article

Short- and long-term consequences of thermal variation in the larval environment of anurans

Niehaus, A. C., Wilson, R. S. and Franklin, C. E. (2006). Short- and long-term consequences of thermal variation in the larval environment of anurans. Journal of Animal Ecology, 75 (3), 686-692. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2006.01089.x

Short- and long-term consequences of thermal variation in the larval environment of anurans

2006

Journal Article

Improving sneaky-sex in a low oxygen environment: reproductive and physiological responses of male mosquito fish to chronic hypoxia

Carter, Alecia J. and Wilson, Robbie S. (2006). Improving sneaky-sex in a low oxygen environment: reproductive and physiological responses of male mosquito fish to chronic hypoxia. Journal of Experimental Biology, 209 (24), 4878-4884. doi: 10.1242/jeb.02531

Improving sneaky-sex in a low oxygen environment: reproductive and physiological responses of male mosquito fish to chronic hypoxia

2005

Journal Article

Temperature influences the coercive mating and swimming performance of male eastern mosquitofish

Wilson, Robbie S. (2005). Temperature influences the coercive mating and swimming performance of male eastern mosquitofish. Animal Behaviour, 70 (6), 1387-1394. doi: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2004.12.024

Temperature influences the coercive mating and swimming performance of male eastern mosquitofish

2005

Journal Article

Consequences of metamorphosis for the locomotor performance and thermal physiology of the newt Triturus critatus

Wilson, R. S. (2005). Consequences of metamorphosis for the locomotor performance and thermal physiology of the newt Triturus critatus. Physiological And Biochemical Zoology, 78 (6), 967-975. doi: 10.1086/432923

Consequences of metamorphosis for the locomotor performance and thermal physiology of the newt Triturus critatus

2005

Journal Article

Interindividual Differences in Leg Muscle Mass and Pyruvate Kinase Activity Correlate with Interindividual Differences in Jumping Performance of Hyla multilineata

James, R. S., de Carvalho, J. E., Kohlsdorf, T., Gomes, F. R., Navas, C. A. and Wilson, R. S. (2005). Interindividual Differences in Leg Muscle Mass and Pyruvate Kinase Activity Correlate with Interindividual Differences in Jumping Performance of Hyla multilineata. Physiological And Biochemical Zoology, 78 (5), 857-867. doi: 10.1086/432149

Interindividual Differences in Leg Muscle Mass and Pyruvate Kinase Activity Correlate with Interindividual Differences in Jumping Performance of Hyla multilineata

2005

Conference Publication

The benefits of thermal acclimation to the sneaky-mating avoidance behaviour of female mosquito fish (Gambusia holbrooki)

Wilson, Robbie S. and Condon, Catriona H. L. (2005). The benefits of thermal acclimation to the sneaky-mating avoidance behaviour of female mosquito fish (Gambusia holbrooki). NEW YORK: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC.

The benefits of thermal acclimation to the sneaky-mating avoidance behaviour of female mosquito fish (Gambusia holbrooki)

2005

Journal Article

Predator-mediated phenotypic plasticity in tadpoles of the striped marsh frog, Limnodynastes peronii

Kraft, P. G., Wilson, R. S. and Franklin, C. E. (2005). Predator-mediated phenotypic plasticity in tadpoles of the striped marsh frog, Limnodynastes peronii. Austral Ecology, 30 (5), 558-563. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-9993.2005.01469.x

Predator-mediated phenotypic plasticity in tadpoles of the striped marsh frog, Limnodynastes peronii

2005

Journal Article

Predator-specific changes in the morphology and swimming performance of larval Rana lessonae

Wilson, R. S., Kraft, P. G. and Van Damme, R. (2005). Predator-specific changes in the morphology and swimming performance of larval Rana lessonae. Functional Ecology, 19 (2), 238-244. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2005.00958.x

Predator-specific changes in the morphology and swimming performance of larval Rana lessonae

2004

Journal Article

Morphological and physiological specialization for digging in amphisbaenians, an ancient lineage of fossorial vertebrates

Navas, Carlos A., Antoniazzi, Marta M., Carvalho, Jose Eduardo, Chaui-Berlink, Jose Guilherme, James, Rob S., Jared, Carlos, Kohlsdorf, Tiana, Dal Pai-Silva, Maeli and Wilson, Robbie S. (2004). Morphological and physiological specialization for digging in amphisbaenians, an ancient lineage of fossorial vertebrates. Journal of Experimental Biology, 207 (14), 2433-2441. doi: 10.1242/jeb.01041

Morphological and physiological specialization for digging in amphisbaenians, an ancient lineage of fossorial vertebrates

2004

Journal Article

Effects of caffeine on mouse skeletal muscle power output during recovery from fatigue

James, Rob. S., Wilson, Robbie S. and Askew, Graham N. (2004). Effects of caffeine on mouse skeletal muscle power output during recovery from fatigue. Journal of Applied Physiology, 96 (2), 545-552. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00696.2003

Effects of caffeine on mouse skeletal muscle power output during recovery from fatigue

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2026
    Conserving the Greater Bilby in Queensland
    Save the Bilby Fund Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2026
    How is exposure to manganese on Groote Eylandt associated with motor control and cognitive function in school-aged children?
    Anindilyakwa Royalties Aboriginal Corporation
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2025
    Using detector dogs to improve survey and monitoring of the cryptic Condamine earless dragon (Tympanocryptis condaminensis) (Round 7 Threatened Species)
    Community Sustainability Action - Qld Dep Env Science
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Predicting the mortality risk of koalas moving on the ground
    Koala Applied Research
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    Using performance to predict the survival of threatened mammals
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    The ecology of trace metal contamination in native Australian mammals
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2020
    Predicting the movement speeds of animals
    ARC Future Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Predicting animal movement speeds and what affects movement decision in the wild
    Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    How is exposure to manganese on Groote Eylandt associated with motor control and cognitive function in school-aged children?
    Anindilyakwa Land Council
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    How does habitat complexity drive motor ageing and fitness in wild mammals?
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    The impact of manganese contamination on the health of wildlife on an Aboriginal Protected Island
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Quantifying the health benefits of on-country activities in the remote Indigenous community of Groote Eylandt
    National Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research Limited
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    How does naturally occurring manganese affect the physiology, genetics and health of organisms on Groote Eylandt
    Anindilyakwa Land Council
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    How does naturally occurring manganese affect the physiology, genetics and health of organisms on Groote Eylandt?
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Does physiological plasticity of individuals render populations resilient to climate change? (ARC Discovery Project Administered by University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Causes and consequences of disease in populations of Queensland koalas
    Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Cane toad research and monitoring
    Anindilyakwa Land Council
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Ecology of the northern spotten quoll
    Anindilyakwa Land Council
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Enhancing the research experience of first year science students through engagement with remote Indigenous communities
    UQ Teaching & Learning Strategic Grants
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Conservation biology in remote Indigenous communities: ecology of the northern tiger quoll on Groote Island
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Conserving koalas in urban landscapes
    Redland City Council
    Open grant
  • 2009
    UQTravel Awards Category 2, Dr Robbie Wilson
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Using Male Sexual Signals of Fish and Crustaceans for Rapid and Inexpensive Monitoring of Ecosystem Health
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Using YouTube technology as a vehicle for deep learning in biology
    UQ Teaching & Learning Strategic Grants
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2010
    Conserving native wildlife during urbanisation: the effectiveness of biodiversity-friendly urban design and construction practices
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006
    Temperature Adaptation Of Fish Spermatozoa: An Integrative Approach
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 2006
    UQ_Travel Award_Cat2_2005
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Locomotor and Reproductive Consequences of Temperature-Induced Phenotypic Plasticity in the Threadfin Rainbowfish
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2005
    Evolution Of Ectotherm Thermal Physiology: Combining Studies Of Behaviour and Comparative Physiology
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2006
    Testing the Adaptive Benefit of Physiological Acclimation
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Robbie Wilson is:
Available for supervision

Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose 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

    Optimal running speeds during predator-prey interactions

    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

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Professor Robbie Wilson's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au