Objective
Studies on sexual selection typically focus on individual variation in males (differences in attractiveness or competitive ability), while variation in female mating behavior has often been dismissed. For instance, the occurrence of extra-pair paternity in socially monogamous birds has mostly been analyzed in relation to male quality. However, very recent findings indicate that female extra-pair behavior will also depend on intrinsic female qualities, but virtually nothing is known about this issue. The aim of this project is to provide the first comprehensive analysis of individual variation in female fidelity, using quantitative genetics as well as experimental manipulation of conditional factors. The well-studied zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) offers unique system where a standardized testing procedure can be established that measures variation in sexual fidelity while controlling for the effects of male quality. Using this assay, I will test the following hypotheses:
(1) Some females are consistently more faithful to their partner than others (individual repeatability).
(2) These differences between individual females are partly due to genetic variation (test for mother-daughter resemblance) and partly due to environmental factors (test by manipulating female body condition). Within the requested fellowship I expect to gain all the know how required for conducting experimental work with zebra finches. Prof. Birkhead and his group at Sheffield University have extensive experience in keeping and breeding these birds, conducting mate-choice experiments, using laboratory techniques for paternity analysis as well as doing heritability studies in this species. Learning these techniques will be of great value to me as I intend to continue with this kind of work during later stages in my career. In general, I expect to profit greatly in terms of gained research experience, scientific output and personal contacts. The hosting research group will profit in terms of publications and representation at scientific meetings. The outlined project is highly promising for both parties involved, as we expect to learn what the sources of individual variation in female mating behaviour are, a fundamental question in sexual selection research, which has not been tackled before.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
S10 2TN SHEFFIELD
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.