UT BRIEFS

Zoology professor lectures on sexual selection processes

Michael Ryan, Professor of Zoology, lectured Friday before approximately 350 listeners about the sexual selection processes in animal behavior, waist-to-hip ratios and Barbie dolls.

Sponsored by the Department of Geological Sciences and School of Biological Sciences, Ryan's presentation focused on animal behavior and reactions in situations involving the selection of sexual partners. He used examples from video clips and sound bytes of animals.

The presentation showed mate selection choices made by males and females, using characteristics and actions unique to various animals, including frogs, hornbills, fish, bonobos, peacocks and humans.

He said female peacocks prefer mates with larger eyespots, which have been scientifically linked with a better survival rate. Females believe that if their mate has large eyespots, their offspring will also have large eyespots, yielding a high survival rate.

In reference to human sexual selection, Ryan added that males prefer females with a small waist-to-hip ratio. In a study that asked men to choose women from three different ratio groups, most men preferred 7-to-10, the exact ratio of the Barbie doll, Ryan said.

Ryan's lecture was part of the UT Outreach program, which includes monthly lectures by UT professors and researchers on various topics.

Victoria Rodriguez assumes new position as vice-provost

Victoria Rodriguez, an associate professor at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, assumed her new position as vice-provost Jan. 16.

Rodriguez said she was delighted when she heard the news of her appointment.

"I was very honored and very excited," Rodriguez said. "This is a period of change at the University of Texas at Austin, and I feel very proud to be part of that change."

One of Rodriguez's main responsibilities will be the establishment of student and faculty exchange programs between Latin American institutions and the University.

UT Provost Sheldon Ekland-Olson said he focused on finding a candidate with a strong background in Latin America because one of UT President Larry Faulkner's initiatives is to strengthen the University's relationships in the region.

Rodriguez's other responsibilities include overseeing K-12 outreach programs and faculty recruitment and hiring. Rodriguez, who has taught at the University since 1991, said she will continue to teach courses and seminars at the LBJ School and Institute for Latin American Studies.

Compiled by Neaha Raol and Amy Westerman, Daily Texan Staff