Nuno Queiroz
Principal Researcher
Research has focused on understanding the behavioural mechanisms underlying the ecology of animal movements. Marine predators, mainly sharks, have been used as models to test theories about behavioural strategies, in particular, why certain habitats are selected at certain times. A primary aim is to understand how environmental heterogeneity affects movement patterns and behaviour, and what the consequences might be for large-scale spatial distribution. Specifically, I am interested in determining the processes underpinning habitat selection by understanding the tactics used during foraging, diel vertical migration, and sexual segregation, and how trade-offs contribute to adaptive flexibility and optimality. Also aim at understanding the effects of environmental heterogeneity on movements and behaviour and translating observations taken at small spatial and temporal scales into patterns at greater scales. Finally, I am interested in using behavioural data to identify and understand the short- and long-term influences of climate and fishing on animal populations.