COMMENT OBITUARY Patrick Bateson (1938-2017) Biologist who unravelled how animal behaviour develops.

arely a day goes by without banning the practice on its land. extravagant claims being made Bateson was adept at helping others to about whether some human char- develop a more nuanced understanding

Racteristic — be it intelligence, violence or of tricky issues, such as overly simplistic SOCIETY ROYAL sporting prowess — is explained by genes adaptationism at a time when ‘gene for X’ or environment, biology or upbring- language was rife. His calm and reasoned ing, ‘nature or nurture’. Patrick Bateson writings ensured that the whole organ- exposed the folly of such false dichoto- ism and a systems perspective remained mies. In a 50-year career, he made semi- in sight during the heyday of genetic nal contributions to almost every topic in determinism. the science of animal behaviour, becom- Bateson maintained a keen interest ing a leading authority on behavioural in evolutionary biology, but envisaged a development. broader conception of evolutionary cau- Bateson, born on 31 March 1938, sation, one that eschewed gene-centricism decided at an early age to be a biologist. and placed the organism centre stage. This He was influenced by the legacy of his led some biologists to view him as a mav- grandfather’s famous cousin, the geneti- erick. Nonetheless, Bateson was ahead of cist William Bateson, and by a keen inter- the curve in recognizing the evolutionary est in birdwatching. Bateson was educated significance of mate choice, sympatric at Westminster School in London before speciation (when populations of a species beginning an undergraduate degree in in one habitat become reproductively iso- natural sciences at the University of Cam- lated from each other) and developmental bridge, UK, in 1957. In 1963, he married plasticity, which have since become main- Dusha Matthews, with whom he had two stream concepts. daughters. Apart from a two-year fellow- He also recognized the importance of ship working with neuroscientist Karl influential books. These included Meas- ideas such as epigenetic inheritance and Pribram at Stanford University in Cali- uring Behaviour (Cambridge University niche construction, which are now garner- fornia, Bateson spent his whole career Press, 1986), an introduction to the meth- ing increased attention. Behind the scenes, at the University of Cambridge in the odology of the field co-authored with by organizing conferences and workshops Sub-Department of Animal Behaviour. ethologist Paul Martin, and Design for a and by promoting the work of progressive Bateson’s early research was influenced Life: How Behaviour Develops (Jonathan thinkers, Bateson helped to incubate ideas by two luminaries of ethology, Niko Cape, 1999), also written with Martin. that are central to the emerging extended Tinbergen and Robert Hinde. Hinde Some of the volumes edited or co-edited evolutionary synthesis. supervised Bateson’s PhD on behavioural by Bateson, notably Growing Points in An approachable and affectionate imprinting — the tendency of young birds, Ethology in 1976 and Mate Choice in 1983 scientist, he insisted on being called Pat by such as goslings, to latch on to and follow (both Cambridge University Press), shaped everyone. He was open-minded, a good the first moving stimulus they see, typically thinking in these fields. He edited the listener and curious about science. Bateson their mothers. At the time, the mechanisms influential Perspectives in Ethology series was dedicated to his students and collabora- underlying imprinting were a mystery and for 20 years, and for 5 years was editor of tors, and made time for anyone who wanted hotly disputed. Animal Behaviour, the leading journal in to discuss their research. He was a loyal col- Bateson defused the contention through ethology. league, mentor and friend. Pat and Dusha decades of pioneering experimenta- Bateson held exalted positions in British were excellent hosts in their lodge at King’s tion into the underlying genetic, neural, science, including provost of King’s Col- College. They would warmly welcome all physiological and experiential bases of lege at the University of Cambridge (1988– guests, whether graduate students or inter- the phenomenon, largely in collabora- 2003), president of the Zoological Society national dignitaries, introducing them to tion with neuroscientists Gabriel Horn of London (2004–14) and biological secre- their collection of cats. and Steven Rose. As psychologists had tary and vice-president of the Royal Soci- Patrick Bateson died on 1 August, aged argued, imprinting is a form of percep- ety (1998–2003). He proved a leader in 79. His death marks the end of a glorious tual learning, whereas, as ethologists other ways too, showing courage, integrity era of behavioural research. His legacy will had maintained, it involves an unlearned and sensitivity in tackling emotive topics, long be appreciated. ■ predisposition to attend to the physical including dog breeding and the use of ani- characteristics of the mother. mals in medical research. Bateson was also Kevin N. Laland is professor of behavioural Bateson also studied mate choice, animal commissioned by the National Trust, a UK and evolutionary biology at the University of welfare, play, learning and memory, and conservation and heritage charity, to lead St Andrews, UK. He worked closely with Pat the role of behaviour in evolution. He had a review into the physiological effects of Bateson for 25 years. an eloquent writing style and published hunting in deer, which resulted in the trust e-mail: [email protected]

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