Relationships between secondary sexual characters and health status in tits
FP4 — Training and Mobility of Researchers
- Duration
- 1998-05-15 → 2000-01-14
- EU contribution
- —
- Participants
- 2
- Scheme
- RGI
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Project objective
Research objectives and content Assessment of sexual selection has grown to be one of the most active areas of study in evolutionary biology. Although some studies have recognized that 'bright' males are more resistant to parasites, the relationships between secondary sexual characters and health have been poorly investigated and the physiological mechanisms responsible for the production of these characters have also been largely ignored. In this project, the relationships between male 'brightness' (measured by song and plumage characteristics) and the resistance to parasites will be studied by several complementary approaches, both empirical and experimental. Using blue (Parus caeruleus) and great tits (P. major) as model species, we will examine 1) the relationship between 'brightness' and parasite loads 2) the relationship between 'brightness' and immuno-competence, 3) the role of testosterone in linking 'brightness' and immuno-competence, 4) the relationship between 'brightness' of the male and the resistance to parasite of its offsprings. This multi-disciplinary approach will provide a better understanding of the function and evolution of secondary sexual characters. Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact) The objective of the training is to complete the education of the applicant in evolutionary ecology and especially in host-parasite interactions related to sexual selection. The applicant will be able to learn behavioural techniques (sound analysis) as well as techniques of immunology and endocrinology. Exchange of ideas and techniques between researchers of a multi-disciplinary team will not only create a stimulating and instructive environment for the applicant, but is also necessary to obtain new important insights. The training will broaden the applicant's view in the rapidly evolving field of sexual selection and will lead to publications in international scientific journals. Links with industry / industrial relevance (22)
Original text from CORDIS.
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Data: CORDIS, © European Union