Psychology

Robert Murphey

Professor Emeritus

Dr. Murphey's primary research interests are related to genetic and environmental correlates of animal social behavior, and the effects of human contact and domestication on animal behavior. Most of his studies make use of domesticated livestock in Latin America, especially Brazil. Examples of recent and current work are investigations of mechanisms of kin recognition, the importance of genetic similarity and familiarity in social aggregations and "cooperative" behavior, genetic and social factors in the foundation and maintenance of communal nurseries of calves, and behavioral adaptations of cattle and water buffalo to challenging environments.