Estimates of molecular genetic variation are often used as a cheap and simple surrogate for population's adaptive potential, yet empirical evidence suggests they unlikely to be valid proxy. However, this is based on poorly predicting estimates potential rather than how well it predicts true values. As consequence, the relationship has been systematically underestimated precision with which could measured severely overstated. By collating large database, using suitable statistical methods, we...

As a key life-history trait, growth rates are often used to measure individual performance and inform parameters in demographic models. Furthermore, intraspecific trait variation generates diversity nature. Therefore, partitioning out understanding drivers of spatiotemporal rate is fundamental interest ecology evolution. However, this has rarely been attempted owing the amount individual-level data required through both time space, issues with missing important covariates. Here, we...

Cross-fostering experiments are widely used by quantitative geneticists to study genetics and behavioral ecologists the effects of prenatal investment. Generally, genes investment confounded interpretation given such is largely dependent on interests researcher. Using a large-scale well-controlled experiment wild population blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus), we able partition variation in body mass across ontogeny into between-clutch egg characteristics. We show that although important early...

There is abundant evidence in many taxa for positive directional selection on body size, and yet little microevolutionary change. In species, variation size partly determined by the actions of parents, so a proposed explanation stasis presence negative genetic correlation between direct parental effects. Consequently, selecting genes increased would result correlated decline effects, reducing following generation. We show that these arguments implicitly assume care cost free, including...

Abstract In evolutionary quantitative genetics, the missing fraction problem refers to a specific kind of bias in parameters estimated later life that occurs when nonrandom subsets phenotypes are from population due prior viability selection on correlated traits. The thus arises following hold: (a) and (b) correlation between later-life traits important for early-life survival. Although it is plausible these conditions widespread wild populations, this has received little empirical...

The relative age of an individual's siblings is a major cause fitness variation in many species. In Blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus), we show that hierarchies are predominantly caused by incubation preclutch completion, such last laid eggs hatch later than early eggs. However, after statistically controlling for behavior late shown to more quickly reducing the amount asynchrony. By experimentally switching and between nests on day they were laid, controlled effect differential found faster...

Senescence—the deterioration of functionality with age—varies widely across taxa in pattern and rate. Insights into why how this variation occurs are hindered by the predominance laboratory-focused research on short-lived model species determinate growth. We synthesize evolutionary theories senescence, highlight key information gaps clarify predictions for low mortality variable degrees indeterminate Lake trout an ideal to evaluate wild. monitored individual males from two populations...

Abstract There has been growing emphasis on the role that crop wild relatives might play in supporting highly selected agriculturally valuable species face of climate change. In were domesticated many thousands years ago, distinguishing populations from escaped feral forms can be challenging, but reintroducing variation either source could supplement current cultivated forms. For economically important cabbages (Brassicaceae: Brassica oleracea ), “wild” occur throughout Europe little is...

Abstract While senescence is a common occurrence in wild populations, not all traits decline with age simultaneously and some do show any senes- cence. A lack of secondary sexual thought to be due their importance for reproductive success. However, if reproduc- tive success senesces, why would apparently senesce? Here we explored this question population red deer (Cervus elaphus) using antler form (number points), trait which shows little senescence, despite the senescence. In line...

As a key life-history trait, growth rates are often used to measure individual performance and inform parameters in demographic models. Furthermore, intra-specific trait variation generates diversity nature. Therefore, partitioning out understanding drivers of spatiotemporal rate is fundamental interest ecology evolution. However, this has rarely been attempted due the amount individual-level data required through both time space, issues with missing important covariates. Here we implemented...

Abstract In evolutionary quantitative genetics, the missing fraction problem refers to case where phenotypes seen later in life are biased because a non-random subset of those from population due prior viability selection on correlated traits. As any such will bias our estimates selection, and therefore, responses it is one potential explanation for paradox stasis wild populations. The two components required arise are: (1) selection; (2) correlation between later-life traits important...

The ability to re-identify individuals is fundamental the individual-based studies that are required estimate many important ecological and evolutionary parameters in wild populations. Traditional methods of marking tracking them through time can be invasive imperfect, which affect these estimates create uncertainties for population management. Here we present a photographic re-identification method uses spot constellations images match specimens time. Photographs Arctic charr ( Salvelinus...

ABSTRACT Senescence, or the deterioration of functionality with age, varies widely across taxa in pattern and rate. Insights into why how this variation occurs are hindered by predominance lab-focused research on short-lived model species determinate growth. We synthesize evolutionary theories senescence, highlight key information gaps, clarify predictions for low mortality variable degrees indeterminate Lake trout an ideal to evaluate wild. monitored individual males from two populations...