Male sexual competition as a social niche dimension: adaptive niche conformance and its proximate mechanisms in a species with male parental care (B04)

• Subject Area: Sensory and Behavioural Biology
• Term: from 2018 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 316099922

In this project, we will test how male Zebra Finches conform to their individualised social niche as set by the prevailing level of sexual competition. We will first quantify male niche conformance by analysing adjustment of sexual competitiveness including behavioural (e.g. aggression) and ejaculate (e.g. sperm motility) traits. We will then identify the underlying mechanisms on the endocrinological (via hormone profiling) and transcriptomic (via RNAseq) levels. Next, we will assess the adaptive significance of niche conformance using a niche match/mismatch approach. Finally, we will test for trade-offs between investment in sexual competitiveness versus paternal care.

• 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: Dr. Peter Korsten; Dr. Tim Schmoll