Aggression and reproductive interference are common forms of behavioral interference between closely related species. These interactions often arise as incidental byproducts of everyday activities such as defending resources or competing for mates. Yet, although they resemble familiar within-species behaviors, their ecological and evolutionary consequences can be quite different when they occur between species. Behavioral interference can strongly influence whether species are able to coexist at all, and if they do, how they subsequently evolve in response to one another through natural selection. Such interactions were likely part of human evolutionary history and may even help explain why Homo sapiens is the sole surviving species in the genus Homo. In this talk, however, I focus on what we know with greater certainty about behavioral interference in other animals. Why does behavioral interference persist if it is costly at the population level? How does it influence species’ geographic ranges, the spread of invasive species, or the persistence of endangered species? What evidence do we have that behavioral interference drives evolutionary change? Drawing on examples from across the literature as well as from my own research, I will address these questions and strive to offer a balanced perspective on the causes and consequences of behavioral interference.

Zoom link for those attending remotely:

https://ucla.zoom.us/j/94308730584?pwd=0YGsaJFEdLd5cMsOhTh465nwJubz9o.1

Meeting ID: 943 0873 0584
Passcode: 308291