Seminar Summary - Why do some species thrive in novel, anthropogenic environments, and others do not? How can a basic understanding of ecology, evolution and behavior inform conservation efforts in human -dominated environments? In this seminar, I highlight a range of studies from the Snell-Rood lab over the last few years. We have used butterflies to explore costs and constraints in the evolution of plasticity and brain size, and the role of stress responses in dealing with new toxins. I will review some of our work on roadsides as habitat for pollinators to show how an understanding of behavior, genetic variation, and movement of pollutants through ecosystems can inform conservation in marginal habitats. Finally, I will share some of our recent efforts to expand the power of bio-inspired design in the classroom and in human applications, from robotics to architecture.