CRC TRR 212 - B04: Male sexual competition as a social niche dimension: adaptive niche conformance and its proximate mechanisms in a species with male parental care

Basic data for this project

Type of project: Subproject in DFG-joint project hosted outside University of Münster

Duration at the University of Münster: 01/01/2018 - 31/12/2021 | 1st Funding period

Description

In this project, we will test how male Zebra Finches conform to their individualised social niche as set by the prevailing level of sexual competition. We will first quantify male niche conformance by analysing adjustment of sexual competitiveness including behavioural (e.g. aggression) and ejaculate (e.g. sperm motility) traits. We will then identify the underlying mechanisms on the endocrinological (via hormone profiling) and transcriptomic (via RNAseq) levels. Next, we will assess the adaptive significance of niche conformance using a niche match/mismatch approach. Finally, we will test for trade-offs between investment in sexual competitiveness versus paternal care.

Keywords: Evolution; Biodiversität

Website of the project: https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/biologie/crc212/projects/B04.html

DFG-Gepris-ID: https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/396777869

Funding identifier: TRR 212/1 B04 | DFG project number: 316099922

Funder / funding scheme: