I think it fair to warn all those folks who do decide to work in the lab, be it as a graduate or honours student or as a field assistant that there is a strong possibility that your social status may change as a result. It seems that the close proximity of field-work has resulted in a number of permanent pair-bonds being formed. A suitable monument in the lab celebrates these associations. Be forewarned.
Citations in support of the Pair-Bond Plaque1. Award for Unobjective Study of Animal Behaviour (USAB).
"Science" is (insert some big quote from a famous person, pertinent or not.). And yet, those who study objectively, eschewing all anthropomorphism, may be inadvertently altering their own destiny. For by leaching out the subjective and human influence on their studies, the inevitable behavioural response of scientist to subject is referred! Instead of going "awwww, cuuute" to the charismatic megafauna being studied, said researchers (whether grad student or field assistant) think, "awwww, cuute" about their human companions in the field. This referred affection, emotion, and yes, love, is thus inappropriately enmeshed with another person who has similar goals, philosophy, enjoyment of the outdoors, and accurate powers of behavioural observation. Is it thus so surprising when the field crew "gets together"? Is it surprising that a long term pair bond ensues? Is it surprising that pair bond maintenance is ensured and attended to with a care only found in those who study and value behavioural cues? To all those who fling heart and soul into their studies, and find a life partner in the process, we shout "Hooray!" To those whose fitness is improved by the creation of offspring, well, You win!
2. Great idea to commemorate the labs influence!
Your lab must also be generating some sort of pheromones or something, given the manifested reproductive potential (at least as far as pair-bonding). It could also be spatial constraints, as I fondly remember the dozen of so of us squeezed into your first small lab space. We know what happens to most animals in close quarters; they either end up consuming each other, or shagging like crazy. Although, I believe it's the conducive field environments you offer (e.g., beautiful, isolated, field camps) that promote these bonds. Again, perhaps a spatial analysis is required (H1: isolation and/or condensed captivity = copious shagging?).
Citations in support of the Pair-Bond Plaque1. Award for Unobjective Study of Animal Behaviour (USAB).
"Science" is (insert some big quote from a famous person, pertinent or not.). And yet, those who study objectively, eschewing all anthropomorphism, may be inadvertently altering their own destiny. For by leaching out the subjective and human influence on their studies, the inevitable behavioural response of scientist to subject is referred! Instead of going "awwww, cuuute" to the charismatic megafauna being studied, said researchers (whether grad student or field assistant) think, "awwww, cuute" about their human companions in the field. This referred affection, emotion, and yes, love, is thus inappropriately enmeshed with another person who has similar goals, philosophy, enjoyment of the outdoors, and accurate powers of behavioural observation. Is it thus so surprising when the field crew "gets together"? Is it surprising that a long term pair bond ensues? Is it surprising that pair bond maintenance is ensured and attended to with a care only found in those who study and value behavioural cues? To all those who fling heart and soul into their studies, and find a life partner in the process, we shout "Hooray!" To those whose fitness is improved by the creation of offspring, well, You win!
2. Great idea to commemorate the labs influence!
Your lab must also be generating some sort of pheromones or something, given the manifested reproductive potential (at least as far as pair-bonding). It could also be spatial constraints, as I fondly remember the dozen of so of us squeezed into your first small lab space. We know what happens to most animals in close quarters; they either end up consuming each other, or shagging like crazy. Although, I believe it's the conducive field environments you offer (e.g., beautiful, isolated, field camps) that promote these bonds. Again, perhaps a spatial analysis is required (H1: isolation and/or condensed captivity = copious shagging?).