About this research
This project builds on an earlier Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga study led by Dr Shane Wright that shows faster evolution occurs in more productive, high energy, tropical climates. This is the first research worldwide to demonstrate this.
This subsequent project took a global dataset to compare rates of evolution for sister bird species in small and large area habitats. The main finding was that the larger populations have faster rates of molecular evolution despite the fact that the existing dogma suggests that smaller populations should evolve more rapidly. The other main finding was tropical species, unaffected by the slowdown of hibernation, did show faster rates of molecular evolution.
Outputs
Publications - Journal articles
Wright, S., Ross, H., Keeling, J., McBride, P., Gillman, L. (2011) Thermal energy and the rate of genetic evolution in marine fishes. Evolutionary Ecology, Volume 25, Issue 2, pp 525-530.
Ētahi atu · Other projects
Lynley Uerata (Ngati Mahuta, Ngati Tahinga), University of Waikato The proposed research will explore the precarious realities of eight Māori households and their culturally-patterned responses to socio-economic marginalisation. The Māori precariat are a growing social class whose lives are rendered precarious by flexible and unstable employment, unliveable…
View projectConnections and Flows: Precarious Māori Households in Austere Times
Lynley Uerata (Ngati Mahuta, Ngati Tahinga), University of Waikato
The proposed research will explore the precarious realities of eight Māori households and their culturally-patterned responses to socio-economic marginalisation.
The Māori precariat are a growing social class whose lives are rendered precarious by flexible and unstable employment, unliveable incomes, inadequate state support, low resources, stigma and marginalisation (Hodgetts & Griffin, 2015; Standing, 2014).
Literature suggests that precariat persons are becoming increasingly alienated from civic life and their rights are being eroded as they are transformed from citizens to morally and materially marginalised denizens (Hodgetts et al., 2013; 2014; Standing, 2014). Through examining factors that support and impinge upon their precarious reality and capacity for human flourishing. the research will generate a detailed profile and understanding of these people who are often judged for the precarious realities they contend with.
Tracey Takuira (Te Arawa, Matātua, Ngāpuhi, Tainui), Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Whakatane Taonga species or customary materials such as Kuta/Paopao (Eleocharis sphacelata), Harakeke (Phormium tenax,), Pīngao (Desmoschoenus spiralis), Tī Kōuka (Cordyline australis), Raupō (Typha orientalis), Toetoe (Cortaderia spp.), (Scheele, 2010a, Herbert, &…
View projectThrough a weaver's lens: availability and sustainability of raranga resurces with a focus on Kuta (Eleocharis sphacelata)
Tracey Takuira (Te Arawa, Matātua, Ngāpuhi, Tainui), Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi Whakatane
Taonga species or customary materials such as Kuta/Paopao (Eleocharis sphacelata), Harakeke (Phormium tenax,), Pīngao (Desmoschoenus spiralis), Tī Kōuka (Cordyline australis), Raupō (Typha orientalis), Toetoe (Cortaderia spp.), (Scheele, 2010a, Herbert, & Oliphant, 1991) as well as many more natural resources, are significant to the cultural identity of Māori people. For example, “the exercise of kaitiaki responsibilites towards these taonga species and their environment, is a fundamental aspect of Māori culture, and kaitaki relationships are important sources of identity” (Waitangi Tribunal, 2011).
Renee Iritana Smith (Renee Iritana Smith), Massey University My project “Tāngata Tōnui, Tāngata Mauri Ora” aligns with the research theme of ‘Mauri Ora’ as it specifically is aimed at investigating commonalities shared between flourishing, successful Māori individuals and communities. This will be done utilizing a kaupapa Māori methodology which therefore…
View projectTāngata Tōnui, Tāngata Mauri Ora
Renee Iritana Smith (Renee Iritana Smith), Massey University
My project “Tāngata Tōnui, Tāngata Mauri Ora” aligns with the research theme of ‘Mauri Ora’ as it specifically is aimed at investigating commonalities shared between flourishing, successful Māori individuals and communities. This will be done utilizing a kaupapa Māori methodology which therefore allows for a cultural specific way of investigating the construct of ‘flourishing’ in a way which has not been done before.