School of BEES - Emeritus Professor Terrence Dawson

ACADEMIC CAREER

1959 - BRuSc (Hons) (UNE)
1964 - PhD (UNE)

RESEARCH

My major research interest is the physiology and ecology of mammals and birds. The aspects with which I have been most concerned are

comparative physiology, particularly in relation to the evolutionary biology of marsupials and monotremes and
ecological physiology, notably the adaptation to arid environments of mammals and birds. In regard to the latter aspect, I have strong interests in the foraging ecology of arid rangeland species, mainly from the point of view of the constraints that the physiology of a species place on its ability to harvest energy from the harsh environment.

My initial training was in agriculture (animal science) and I am still concerned with the interaction between domestic species (ruminants) and native species in the outback of Australia. Field studies in ecological physiology are conducted at the Fowlers Gap Arid Zone Research Station. Comparative physiological studies are conducted in my laboratories at Kensington Campus and the animals for this aspect of my research are held at the Cowan Field Station.

Current interests included energy use, respiration and oxygen transport, water relations and thermal biology in marsupials. I have an additional interest in the digestive physiology of herbivorous birds, principally the Emu and some unusual Australian ducks and geese.

Most recently I have published a book, 'Kangaroos: Biology of the Largest Marsupials' (UNSW Press) which summarises much of my interests.

CONTACT DETAILS

Room 510
Tel: +61-2-9385 2120
Fax: +61-2-9385 1558
Email: t.dawsonunsw.edu.au