Rate My Professor John Hall

Hall's research investigates the ecology of cycads, ancient plants whose fossil record predates dinosaurs. His work examines host-specific pollination relationships with beetles, seed dispersal by vertebrate animals, and plant defenses against herbivory, providing insights into early animal-plant coevolution before flowering plants emerged. Key publications include 'Pollination of the Australian cycad Cycas ophiolitica (Cycadaceae): the limited role of wind pollination in a cycad with beetle pollinator mutualists, and its ecological significance' (Journal of Tropical Ecology, 2018, with Gimme H. Walter); 'Relative seed and fruit toxicity of the Australian cycads Macrozamia miquelii and Cycas ophiolitica: further evidence for a megafaunal seed dispersal syndrome in cycads, and its possible antiquity' (Journal of Chemical Ecology, 2014, with Gimme H. Walter); 'Seed Dispersal of the Australian Cycad Macrozamia Miquelii (Zamiaceae): Are Cycads Megafauna-Dispersed "Grove Forming" Plants?' (American Journal of Botany, 2013, with Gimme H. Walter); 'Does pollen aerodynamics correlate with pollination vector? Pollen settling velocity as a test for wind versus insect pollination among cycads (Gymnospermae: Cycadaceae: Zamiaceae)' (Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, with Gimme H. Walter); and 'Pollination ecology of the Australian cycad Lepidozamia peroffskyana (Zamiaceae)' (Australian Journal of Botany, 2004, with Gimme H. Walter, D. M. Bergstrom, and P. Machin). In teaching, Hall maximizes the impact of field trips, fosters literature research and writing skills, and enhances lectures through narrative, juxtaposition, and imagery. He develops and teaches international programs in Australian Terrestrial Ecology, including a course for the University of California, and serves as course coordinator for CONS7025 Rainforest Conservation. He acted as associate advisor for a 2025 PhD on urban nuisance wildlife management. His research interests include ecology, genetics, and evolution.