Martin Whiting

Martin Whiting is a Professor of Animal Behaviour at Macquarie University's School of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on the evolution of sociality, cognition in animals, and animal communication, primarily using lizards as model systems. His work integrates field and lab-based approaches to understand how behavior influences fitness and its underlying mechanisms.

• Research Interests: Evolution of social systems, cognitive traits in reptiles and amphibians, effects of environmental factors on behavior and learning.
• Key Projects: Investigating transitions in social complexity in Egernia lizards, cultural transmission in reptiles, and impacts of incubation temperature on cognitive development.

Recent publications highlight studies on cultural behavior in reptiles, effects of elevated temperatures on lizard learning, and predator-prey dynamics involving monitor lizards. Collaborations span global institutions, emphasizing comparative and evolutionary approaches.

Whiting leads a dynamic research group and has contributed to over 200 publications, advancing understanding of behavioral ecology and conservation implications.