photo by Bernd Wursig
Dolphins are much loved cetaceans and a species known for social interaction. What do we know about their mating strategies? What are the variables affecting female receptivity? What is the influence of sociosexual behavior on female social grouping and calf rearing?
We heard from one of the prominent marine biologists contributing to the body of research that is providing insights into the answers to these questions and more. We are delighted to host Dr. Tim Markowitz, Cetacean Field Research Coordinator of The Marine Mammal Center, and contributing author in the recently published book, Sex in Cetaceans: Morphology, Behavior, and the Evolution of Sexual Strategies, for what is sure to be a fascinating presentation.
This free event is open to the public. Registration is required. A donation is encouraged and greatly appreciated. Donations help cover webinar costs and support our education and cetacean research grant programs.
about Tim Markowitz
Dr. Tim Markowitz oversees research projects examining humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, and harbor porpoises in San Francisco Bay and the surrounding waters. His research has expanded the understanding of harbor porpoise reproductive and foraging behavior, northward range expansion of coastal bottlenose dolphins, and humpback whale abundance, movements, and habitat use. Since joining The Marine Mammal Center as Cetacean Field Research Coordinator in 2019, he has expanded his research efforts to include gray whales and focus on conservation issues for whales, dolphins, and porpoises including vessel interactions, fisheries bycatch, and climate change.
Dr. Markowitz is a popular professor and mentor to graduate students in biology and environmental sciences at multiple universities. He continues to hold positions at U.C. Berkeley, teaching classes in the departments of Integrative Biology and Environment Science, Policy and Management, and at San Francisco State University where he teaches in the Biology Department and advises graduate students conducting marine mammal research.
Tim Markowitz received his B.A. from U.C. Santa Cruz in environmental studies, his M.S. from U.C. Davis in animal science, and his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in wildlife and fisheries sciences. As a student, Tim studied the development of sleep apnea in elephant seal pups, the nocturnal behavior of African elephants, the social development of sheep, and the social organization of dusky dolphins. Subsequently, Tim worked as a research biologist collecting biopsy and photo-identification samples of killer whales and humpback whales in Alaska.
He went on to serve as principal investigator or project manager for marine mammal research projects, including studies of abundance and habitat use of endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales; effects of tourism on dusky dolphins, sperm whales, and New Zealand fur seals; and the distribution, movements and ecology of bottlenose dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds.
