Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of niche choice and niche conformance in a declining fur seal population
(A01)
Subject Area
Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
Sensory and Behavioural Biology
Term
since 2018
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 316099922
Using an exceptionally rich and detailed study of Antarctic fur seals, we will investigate the long-term fitness consequences and mechanistic underpinnings of niche choice and niche conformance in the wild. Our integrative approach combines four decades of life history data from over 700 breeding females with high density molecular markers and epigenetic profiling. This will not only provide a novel evolutionary (epi)genetic perspective on individualised niches but will also shed light on the causes and consequences of individualisation in highly heterogeneous environments.
DFG Programme
CRC/Transregios
