Archives: Robots

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Evolutionary rescue

Can evolution save us from the brink of collapse? Andy Gonzalez thinks so. Gonzalez, an ecologist from McGill University, gave an entertaining seminar to the department last Thursday on the subject. His research group works on the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss, using mathematical models and controlled experiments to investigate... More

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Reaching the other side, in synchrony

It’s a familiar site on campus here during the first week of class: packs of jaywalkers moving in tight co-ordination, in sync with the flow of oncoming cars. From traffic lights and power grids to stereo sound and cinema, synchrony is so common in our environment that we usually only notice it when it... More

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Deep archives: A working strategy

I am very excited to report that Penelope has finally lived up to her name! Here she is right before being courted by male no. 30: (Photo credit: Rob Ewart) The secret to her success? You have to present her to males that are already (preemptively) inspired to display their tails. When you present her... More

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Deep archives: Penelope rolls out

Our first week of observations done, and we’ve already seen one copulation! Watching birds for hours on end at the Arboretum has actually proved to be quite enjoyable, due to the pleasant setting and perfect weather (apart from the fact that I’ve come down with a cold). This post, however, will be about Penelope.... More

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