A5035070871- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Avian ecology and behavior
- Plant and animal studies
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
- Bird parasitology and diseases
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Bat Biology and Ecology Studies
- Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation
- Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
- Marine animal studies overview
- Physiological and biochemical adaptations
- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Microbial infections and disease research
- Animal and Plant Science Education
- Turtle Biology and Conservation
- Environmental Education and Sustainability
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
University of Alberta
2018-2025
Nunavut Wildlife Management Board
2022
Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research
2009-2020
Utrecht University
2016-2020
Max Planck Institute for Ornithology
2010-2019
Max Planck Society
2010-2014
Université du Québec à Montréal
2007-2010
Simon Fraser University
2004-2010
There is growing evidence that individuals within populations show consistent differences in their behaviour across contexts (personality), and personality associated with the extent to which adjust as function of changing conditions (behavioural plasticity). We propose an evolutionary explanation for a link between plasticity based upon how manage uncertainty. Individuals can employ three categories tactics They 1) gather information (sample) reduce uncertainty, 2) strategic...
Summary Evolutionary ecologists increasingly study reaction norms that are expressed repeatedly within the same individual's lifetime. For example, foragers continuously alter anti‐predator vigilance in response to moment‐to‐moment changes predation risk. Variation this form of plasticity occurs both among and individuals. Among‐individual variation (individual by environment interaction or I × E ) is commonly studied; contrast, despite increasing interest its evolution ecology,...
Sampling bias is a key issue to consider when designing studies address biological questions and its importance has been widely discussed in the literature. However, some forms of remain underestimated. We investigated roosting decisions free-living great tits utilizing nest-boxes response installation novel object (a miniature video camera) inside their nest-boxes. show that birds score highly on used exploration test (i.e., fast explorers) are more likely accept approach objects seemingly...
We show that a higher vertebrate can graze surficial intertidal biofilm, previously only considered food source for rasping invertebrates and few specialized fish. Using evidence from video recordings, stomach contents, stable isotopes, we describe the first time grazing behavior of Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri) estimate biofilm accounts 45–59% their total diet or 50% daily energy budget. Our finding shorebirds as herbivores extends trophic range to primary consumers potential...
In most birds, flight is the important means of escape from predators. Impaired abilities due to increased wing loading may increase vulnerability predation. To compensate for an in loading, birds are able independently decrease body mass (BM) or pectoral muscle (PMM). Comparing nearshore and farshore foraging shorebird species, we develop a theory as which these responses should be appropriate. We hypothesize that foragers respond predation by increasing their PMM order promote speed-based...
Theoretical work suggests that both negative frequency-dependent payoffs and state-dependent can lead to individual variation in behavioural plasticity. We investigated the roles of frequency- state-dependence on occurrence plasticity a series experiments where we manipulated perceived predation danger for red knots (Calidris canutus islandica). found trait with (vigilance), but not positive (escape flights). Furthermore, there was no correlation between average level vigilance under low...
Summary Individuals often show consistent differences in risk‐taking behaviours; behaviours that increase resource acquisition at the expense of an increased risk mortality. Recently, basal metabolic rate ( BMR ) has been suggested as a potentially important state variable underlying adaptive individual range behaviours, including risk‐taking. We tested relationship between and free‐living great tits Parus major using experimental manipulations perceived predation risk. compared latency...
Predators can affect prey both directly (consumptive effects) and indirectly (nonconsumptive effects), with a growing body of literature showing the latter may have pronounced effects. Prey populations are comprised individuals that differ in perception willingness to take risk; therefore, studying how different types respond predation risk is necessary fully understand dynamics. Playbacks were used experimentally manipulate perceived nest-box wild great tits ( Parus major ) examine...
Parasites and parasitic lifestyles have evolved from free-living organisms multiple times. How such a key evolutionary transition occurred remains puzzling. Facultative parasites represent potential transitional states between fully because they can be either or depending on environmental conditions. We suggest that facultative with phenotypically plastic life-history strategies may serve as stepping-stones towards obligate parasitism. Pre-adaptations provide starting point for the...
We report that a latitudinal cline in intertidal food distribution is associated with the nonbreeding of Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri). This novel result first to demonstrate clear relationship between patterns differential and availability for any shorebird species. Within each age class sex, longer-billed Sandpipers winter further south. Moreover, females, tend south males. Thus, both inter- intra-sexual clines bill morphology an overall gradient increasing length from north...
A number of studies have suggested that avian brood size is individually optimized. Yet, optimal reproductive decisions likely vary owing to among-individual differences in environmental sensitivity. Specifically, ‘proactive’ individuals who do not track changes may be less able produce sizes than ‘reactive’ more precise local knowledge. To test this, we quantified exploratory behaviour (a proxy for proactivity) a great tit ( Parus major ) population, manipulated (reduced, control, enlarged)...
Natural selection often favors particular combinations of functionally-related traits, resulting in adaptive phenotypic integration. Phenotypic integration has been proposed as a potential mechanism explaining the existence repeatable among-individual differences behavior (i.e., animal personality). In this study, we investigated patterns covariation between morphology and population free-living great tits (Parus major) monitored for 7 years. particular, aimed to disentangle effect...
Age-related increases in the repeatable expression of labile phenotypic traits are often assumed to arise from an increase among-individual variance due differences developmental plasticity or by means state-behavior feedbacks. However, age-related repeatability could also a decrease within-individual as result stabilizing trait expression, that is, canalization. Here we describe changes and components two correlated traits-gizzard mass exploration behavior-in medium-sized shorebird, red...
Abstract Spatial ecology tends to focus on average movement patterns within animal groups; however, recent studies highlight the value of considering decisions both and among individuals. We used a marked population black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus), assess causes consequences within- among-individual differences in chickadee space use. Individuals that feeders addition their most-visited “core feeder” were defined as engaging off-territory feeder found females more likely than...
The success of introduced species often relies on flexible traits, including immune system traits. While theories predict non-natives will have weak defences due to decreased parasite pressure, effective surveillance remains crucial, as infection risk is rarely zero and the evolutionary novelty elevated in non-native areas. This study examines relationship between cytokine responsiveness native house sparrows, hypothesizing that maintain high pathogen while avoiding costly inflammation. We...