A5037220453- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Plant and animal studies
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Avian ecology and behavior
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Insect and Pesticide Research
- Insect Utilization and Effects
- Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation
- Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior
- Animal and Plant Science Education
- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Insect-Plant Interactions and Control
- Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Physiological and biochemical adaptations
- Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Forest Insect Ecology and Management
- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Animal Nutrition and Physiology
- Bird parasitology and diseases
- Genetics, Aging, and Longevity in Model Organisms
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Demographic Trends and Gender Preferences
- Rangeland and Wildlife Management
University of Exeter
2015-2024
Google (United States)
2007-2013
University of Glasgow
2002-2010
Lancaster University
1999-2003
Durham University
1999
We outline and develop current theory on how inherent genetic conflicts of interest between the various family members can affect flow parental investment from parents to offspring, discuss problems for empirical testing that this generates. The pattern realized in nature reflects simultaneous resolution all players. This depends mechanism, mating system reproductive constraints, whether extra demand by progeny affects or future sibs, particularly behavioural mechanisms underlying (begging...
Maternally derived traits, such as within-clutch variation in the amount of testosterone deposited egg yolks, may have profound effects on offspring fitness. Offspring with elevated levels benefit from increased competitive ability through aggression and growth rate. However, are also associated costs peroxidative damage free radicals consequent oxidative stress. Diet-derived antioxidants, vitamin E various carotenoids, provide protection against deleterious Here we show that yolk is...
Animal social networks can be extremely complex and are characterized by highly non-random interactions between group members. However, very little is known about the underlying factors affecting interaction preferences, hence network structure. One possibility that behavioural differences individuals, such as how bold or shy they are, affect frequency distribution of their within a network. We tested this using individually marked three-spined sticklebacks ( Gasterosteus aculeatus ), found...
1. Within‐clutch variation in parental investment of yolk lipid (including essential fatty acid composition and fat‐soluble vitamin content) was investigated whole clutches three eggs Lesser Black‐backed Gulls, Larus fuscus . 2. Although there were no significant differences between years egg size or mass among the same laying order, collected 1996 had significantly lower content than those 1997. 3. In both third‐laid c‐eggs smaller, a smaller compared with earlier laid (a‐ b‐) eggs. 4....
When offspring compete for the attentions of provisioning parents, empirical and theoretical work has generally concluded that chicks honestly signal their “need” resources parents control allocation. Here, we develop models to show when allocation food is determined by competitive begging scrambles between sibs, offspring’s ESS levels, shares personal fitness gained will be an interaction abilities true needs. Many predictions this scramble competition model are qualitatively very similar...
Summary Maternal diet can significantly influence the quality and size of eggs, this may, in turn, fitness offspring. In study, we show how antioxidants (vitamin E compounds carotenoids) female zebra finches concentrations their eggs. Antioxidants are biochemicals derived from diet, which reduce damage to cell membranes caused by free radicals produced during normal metabolism growth. Females were given either a seed‐only or seed + rearing food prior egg laying. The was more enriched with...
Summary 1. Life‐history theory predicts a trade‐off between growth and self‐maintenance. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Oxidative stress, imbalance production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during normal metabolic processes level antioxidant defences, potential mechanism. 2. In many altricial birds asynchronous hatching creates different castes progeny as hedge against developmental environmental uncertainty (a ‘structured’ family). Older, ‘core’ offspring later...
Social structures such as families emerge outcomes of behavioural interactions among individuals, and can evolve over time if with particular types social tend to leave more individuals in subsequent generations. The behaviour interacting is typically analysed a series multiple dyadic (pair-wise) interactions, rather than network individuals. However, species where parents feed dependant young, within nearly always involve two simultaneously. Such networks at least partly reflect conflicts...
Abstract Our understanding of fundamental organismal biology has been disproportionately influenced by studies a relatively small number ‘model’ species extensively studied in captivity. Laboratory populations model are commonly subject to forms past and current selection that may affect experimental outcomes. Here, we examine these processes their outcomes one the most widely used vertebrate laboratory – zebra finch ( Taeniopygia guttata ). This important is for research across broad range...
Good early nutritional conditions may confer a lasting fitness advantage over individuals suffering poor (a ‘silver spoon’ effect). Alternatively, if predict the likely adult environment, adaptive plastic responses might maximize individual performance when developmental and match (environmental-matching Here, we test for silver spoon environmental-matching effects by manipulating environment of Nicrophorus vespilloides burying beetles. We manipulated nutrition during two specific windows:...
Care is complex but recent advances are helping to unravel this complexity. The factors that promote the evolutionary origins of care and those promoting subsequent evolution, diversification maintenance not same. Theoretical empirical research suggest origin parental will depend primarily on offspring survival in absence care, as long there appropriate behavioural precursors genetic co-variation between parent behaviours for evolve. In contrast, which sex cares how much provided shaped by a...
Variation among bird species in growth rates is traditionally attributed to differences energy availability and developmental mode. However, the extent form of competition siblings for limited food resources may also be an important determinant. Kin–selection–based models intrabrood suggest that nestling should highest those which are likely less genetically related one another (half–sibs rather than full–sibs). We test this novel prediction using frequency multiple paternity as index...
Whilst there is an abundance of studies revealing how dominance interactions affect access to resources critical for survival and reproductive success, very little known about status influenced by early life experiences. However, increasing evidence that developmental trajectories can shape the physiology behaviour adult. In particular, compensatory growth following a period poor nutrition have long-term effects on phenotype. Since catch-up increases daily energy requirements hence...
Abstract The pattern of parental investment (PI) seen in nature is a product the simultaneous resolution conflicts interest between members family. How these are resolved depends upon mating system, genetic mechanism, on whether extra PI affects current or future offspring, and behavioural mechanisms underlying supply demand PI. Until recently very little empirical work has been done to underpin key determinants conflict resolution. This review examines recent progress understanding both (1)...
Comparative evaluation mechanisms of mate choice in relation to social composition potential mates have not been considered nonhuman animals. Models rational decision making suggest that when is based on absolute values, the addition a third option should take choices from original 2 options proportion their shares and result an increase preference for any 3 set. However, studies foraging behavior shown alternatives are often irrelevant, specifically or more dimensions (multiple cues)...