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
• Subproject of: TRR 212: A Novel Synthesis of Individualisation across Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution: Niche Choice, Niche Conformance, Niche Construction (NC3)
• Applicant Institution: Universität Bielefeld
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Toni Gossmann; Professor Dr. Joseph Hoffman