Evolutionary biology is currently coming to terms with a rush of striking findings that challenge the orthodox narrative. Among the most important recent advances in evolutionary understanding is the realization that the evolutionary process itself evolves. Organisms differ greatly in how good they are at evolving. That is because natural selection is not something that just happens to organisms: their activities and behaviors contribute to whether and how it happens. The form that selection takes depends critically on the mechanistic details of how each organism operates – its development, physiology and behavior. For instance, types of inheritance differ greatly across organisms. A profusion of resources other than genes are now known to be passed down the generations, including hormones, symbionts, epigenetic changes, antibodies, ecological resources, and learned knowledge, and this variation, too, can be selected, and generate adaptation. Organisms need to be able to cope with environments that fluctuate on all temporal and spatial scales, and extra-genetic inheritance plays a vital role in short-term adaptation. Different capabilities to modify environments (a.k.a. ‘niche construction’) and to develop flexibly (a.k.a. ‘phenotypic plasticity’) further underpin variation in evolvability. In this talk I draw on the latest findings in evolutionary genetics and evo-devo, as well as novel insights from studies of epigenetics, symbiosis, and inheritance, to examine the central role that developmental processes play in evolution.

Integrating behavioural ecology with macroecology could offer critical insights into how ecosystems respond to rapid environmental change. The emerging field of macrobehaviour explores behavioural variation across large geographic, taxonomic, and temporal scales, focusing on its ecological and evolutionary impacts. Behaviour often serves as the first response to environmental stressors, making this approach especially relevant today. Coral reefs provide an ideal system for studying macrobehaviour due to their widespread distribution, rich species interactions, and clear geographical diversity patterns. Increasing evidence suggests that animal behaviour is a key mediator of ecosystem function, which is vital for identifying threats and optimising conservation strategies. By combining behavioural ecology with macroecological approaches, we can ask new, interdisciplinary questions that enhance our understanding and bring reciprocal benefits. The field is wide open - many questions remain unanswered and even unasked. To advance this field, we must build a collaborative, diverse research community who are willing to develop a common language and together, shape the initial sketch of macrobehaviour into an intricate multi-faceted sculpture.