jeudi 28 juin 2018

Offre de stage M2

Intra-specific variation in the social organisation of old world monkeys and apes

Project summary
Many species are specialised in their social organisation, for example baboons and chimpanzees always living in multi-male multi-female groups. However, it has been realised that in many other species intra-specific variation in social organisation (IVSO: variation in group composition) exists. In collaboration with Loren Hayes from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (USA), we are working on a database of all mammalian species, collecting data on intra-specific variation in social organisation. In the current project, a student will work on old world (Africa and Asia) primates and apes to identify specialised and variable species. Furthermore, data will be gathered on which mechanism might have led to IVSO.

Database data entry: The student will search for primary literature of field studies reporting the social organisation of old world monkeys and apes. The student will use specific search rules that have been developed by Hayes and Schradin and record into the database all forms of social organisation that have been reported per species, the number of field studies, and additional crucial information.
Review of original studies: For all primate species where IVSO has been identified, the student will go through the primary literature of these field studies and collect information that will enable us to differentiate between the four mechanisms that can lead to IVSO (Schradin 2013). Specifically, the student will test the hypotheses that IVSO is most common in species that typically living in family groups with one socially monogamous breeding pair.

Key references:

Agnan, P., Kauffmann, C., Hayes, L.D. Schradin, C. In press. Intra-specific variation in social organization of Strepsirrhines. American Journal of Primatology.
Kappeler, P.M., Schaik, C.P.v., 2002. Evolution of primate social systems. Int J Primatol 23, 707-740.
Schradin, C., 2013. Intraspecific variation in social organization by genetic variation, developmental plasticity, social flexibility or entirely extrinsic factors. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. B-Biol. Sci. 368.

Desired skills from student (Compétences souhaitées)
Ability to work hard and independently. Ability to concentrate for long periods for database searches. Ability to communicate and write in English. Knowledge in animal behaviour and statistical analysis.

Skills student will learn (Expertises qui seront acquises au cours de la formation)
Database management, deep understanding of the evolution of social systems and social organisation, management skills (project and time management), statistical analysis, presentation of scientific results, improvement of English skills.

Laboratoire et lieu de stage
Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien
Département d'Ecologie Physiologie et Ethologie
23, rue Becquerel
UMR 7178 CNRS UdS
67087 Strasbourg cedex 2, France

Encadrants
Dr. Carsten Schradin

Contact
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 10 69 19; carsten.schradin@iphc.cnrs.fr