Lab of Sara Iverson

Thesis: Intraspecific variation in male mating behaviour in the grey seal: linking phenotype, behaviour and success

I examined the influence of physical, physiological and behavioural traits on variation in reproductive behaviour and success in the male grey seal, Sable Island, NS. Large body size provided an energetic advantage of greater endurance during the breeding season and may have contributed toward greater competitive ability and success. Alternative mating tactics in the grey seal have important implications for the pattern of gene flow and for the opportunity of sexual selection.

Thesis: Population ecology of the grey seal in east and south-east Ireland
Collected and analysed population survey and photographic-id data to determine the population size and distribution of grey seals on the east and south-east coasts of Ireland.

Thesis: Mother-pup behavioural changes in the harbour seal during the lactation period