Linking ecological and evolutionary dynamics in theory, in the lab and in the field

Objective

Population biologists do not have a well-developed quantitative framework that links ecological and evolutionary dynamics in variable environments. Recent advances in stochastic demography and evolutionary biology mean that the formulation of a general quantitative framework is now within reach. The objective of this proposal is to develop this framework and to apply it to a laboratory and a field system. The key to linking evolutionary and population dynamics in variable environments is to understand what processes drive the dynamics of heritable phenotypic traits. I have developed methods to exactly decompose observed phenotypic change in structured populations living in variable environments. I will build on this research to develop predictive theory. The work will help unify ecology and evolutionary biology, and allow biologists to make predictions on the consequences of environmental change for the natural world. Theory can be used to explain observed change or make testable predictions. The theory I will develop will be applied to two systems bulb mites in the laboratory and wood mice in the field. Application to the bulb mite system will provide general insight into processes that maintain phenotypic and genetic diversity in stochastic, density-dependent environments, and will specifically explain why a heritable morphological character is maintained in bulb mites. In applying the theory to an established rodent field study I will utilise new, powerful technology that will allow researchers to monitor free-living animals in unprecedented detail. The field study will provide insight into eco-evolutionary dynamics in a natural setting, and on the management and conservation of a group of animals of public health, economic and ecological importance.

Field of science

• /medical and health sciences/health sciences/public and environmental health
• /natural sciences/biological sciences/evolutionary biology

Programme(s)

• FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Topic(s)

• ERC-AG-LS8 - ERC Advanced Grant - Evolutionary, population and environmental biology

Call for proposal

ERC-2009-AdG
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant

Host institution

THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

Address

Wellington Square University Offices
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom

Activity type

Higher or Secondary Education Establishments

EU contribution

€ 982 015,92

Principal investigator

Timothy Neal Coulson (Prof.)

Administrative Contact

Gill Wells (Ms.)

Beneficiaries (2)

THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

United Kingdom

EU contribution

€ 982 015,92

Address

Wellington Square University Offices
OX1 2JD Oxford

Activity type

Higher or Secondary Education Establishments

Principal investigator

Timothy Neal Coulson (Prof.)

Administrative Contact

Gill Wells (Ms.)

IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE

United Kingdom

EU contribution

€ 1 071 919

Address

South Kensington Campus Exhibition Road
SW7 2AZ London

Activity type

Higher or Secondary Education Establishments

Administrative Contact

Brooke Alasya (Ms.)