Michael Kasumovic
Sydney
dad. associate professor. evolutionary biologist. gamer. game maker | I want to help teachers inspire their students | Founder of @arludo | #BatteryLow #Scicomm
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Articles by Michael Kasumovic
Drivers of Taxonomic Bias in Ecology and Evolution: Insights From Ethologists and Behavioural Ecologists
1 Introduction One of the main goals of ecology and evolution is to comprehend biological processes and patterns across Earth's vast diversity of life. This goal is hindered when certain taxa receive disproportionally more attention than their diversity warrants, a pattern known as taxonomic bias or taxonomic chauvinism (Shine and Bonnet 2000; Bonnet et al. 2002).
Taxonomic Bias Persists in Ecology and Evolution Research Despite Decades of Concern
1 Introduction More than 1.5 million animal species have been described to date (Bánki et al. 2026), with many more yet to be discovered (Mora et al. 2011; Moura and Jetz 2021; Stork 2018; Wiens 2023). Despite this enormous diversity, analyses of awarded grants (Leather 2009), biodiversity databases (García-Roselló et al. 2023; Troudet et al. 2017), conservation or reintroduction projects (Adamo et al. 2022; Guénard et al. 2025; Mammola et al. 2020; Seddon et al. 2005), scientific articles (Bonnet et al.
Exploring the relative importance of skill and character choice in Super Smash Bros.
An open-access peer-reviewed journal publishing research in Esports. We welcome research articles in Esports across all specialties.
Using Rhodamine to Tag Mites for Studies of Pre‐ and Post‐Copulatory Sexual Selection
1 Introduction Sexual selection results from differential access to gametes for fertilisation (Shuker and Kvarnemo 2021) and can be studied from multiple different angles. To truly understand how sexual selection functions, it is crucial to estimate its strength before and after mating, especially as these processes can interact and influence overall reproductive success (Lande and Arnold 1983).
Weathering the storm for love: Mate searching behaviour of wild males of the Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus)
Abstract The risky business of mate-searching often leaves the actively searching sex facing threats and rapidly changing conditions. Yet, active mate-searching behaviour is rarely studied in invertebrates, and we have limited understanding of how mate-searching strategies have evolved to cope with risks posed by harsh weather.
Sex, status, and reproductive success in the contemporary United States
In most animal populations, status or social rank is positively related to reproductive success (Ellis, 1995, Low et al., 2002, Strier, 2003, Voland, 1998). There is much evidence that the same relationship between status and reproductive success also holds in preindustrial human populations, especially for males (see Table 1).
DNP NMR spectroscopy reveals new structures, residues and interactions in wild spider silks
DNP NMR spectroscopy reveals new structures, residues and interactions in wild spider silks Hamish C. Craig,a Sean J. Blamires,*a Marc-Antoine Sani,b Michael M. Kasumovic,a Aditya Rawalc and James M.
Insights into Sexism: Male Status and Performance Moderates Female-Directed Hostile and Amicable Behavior
Previous research on performance, gender, and competition suggests that individual performance and social standing may affect how men perform sexist behaviors. According to social constructionist theory, men behave in a sexist manner towards women in order to remove them from male-dominated spaces, regardless of social status.
The spectacular peacock spider dance and its strange evolutionary roots
With their flamboyant dress, and fabulous song and dance routines, tiny peacock spiders have captivated the hearts of the internet. Many species have courtship displays, but few are as complex as that of the peacock spider. But why does this little Casanova put on such a spectacular show, particularly when we’d expect evolution to favour simplicity? We set up an elaborate experiment to find out. But before we raise the curtain on that, we need to set the scene.
Sexism in video gaming is just another form of bullying
Many people have experienced harassment or bullying online. However, the victims of such harassment are disproportionately women. Women receive up to 10 times more negative comments than men in online chatrooms and three times the negativity when playing online games. Some have argued this is because women are entering male-dominated spaces that are full of misogynists.
Insights into Sexism: Male Status and Performance Moderates Female-Directed Hostile and Amicable Behaviour
Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article Correction Kasumovic MM, Kuznekoff JH (2015) Correction: Insights into Sexism: Male Status and Performance Moderates Female-Directed Hostile and Amicable Behaviour. PLOS ONE 10(9): e0138399. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0138399 View correction Abstract Gender inequality and sexist behaviour is prevalent in almost all workplaces and rampant in online environments.
Here’s what your gaming habits reveal about your sexual desires
There’s abundant research — and controversy — on the effects of playing violent video games. But strangely, there’s little looking at why people choose to play violent games at all. So we, along with our colleagues, decided to investigate this question. What we found not only challenged the stereotype that only men enjoy violent games, it also revealed something else that was rather unexpected: the motivation to play violent video games is closely connected to people’s desire for sex.
Video games make you less sexist? It's not quite that simple
The latest article exploring sexism in academia suggests that it no longer exists. Some have already grumbled about flaws in the study’s design. But more than that, I simply don’t believe the finding because there is clear evidence that sexism still exists. I’ve also recently heard numerous times via Twitter that playing video games makes you less sexist. But I don’t believe that finding either.
Science in 140 characters: using Twitter like a boss
With each passing year, technology percolates further into academic life. The year 2013 might look, in hindsight, like the year academic social media use went mainstream. Numbers of tweets and Facebook likes are no longer the sole obsession of Conversation authors.
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