Timothy Clutton-Brock is a zoologist best known for his comparative studies of the behavioural ecology of mammals. Whilst Timothy’s early work focused on social behaviour in primates, he later concentrated on three long-term studies of animals in the wild: red deer on the Scottish island of Rùm; Soay sheep on St Kilda, also in Scotland; and meerkats in the southern Kalahari of Africa.
His remarkable 15-year study of red deer revealed how differences in the mortality and feeding behaviour of the sexes are linked to the highly polygamous mating system of these animals. Through this work, he greatly improved our understanding of how sexual and parental behaviours evolve and are related to the ecological conditions in which animals live.
Timothy has written many books and scientific articles, a number of which have been published in the prestigious journal Nature. In 1997, he was awarded the Frink Medal of the Zoological Society of London, and in 1998 he received the Marsh Award for Ecology of the British Ecological Society.
Subject groups
- Organismal biology, evolution and ecology
Ethology
Awards
Darwin Medal
For his outstanding work on the diversity of animal societies and demonstration of their effects on the evolution of reproductive strategies, the operation of selection and the dynamics of populations.
