The social environment provided by family or group members has been shown to be highly influential for adult phenotypes and variation in individual fitness, particularly in early development. Recent research has highlighted that the social environment is determined by the genotypes of interacting individuals and can thus respond to selection and evolve, yet, the significance of this is poorly understood. The aim of the project is to investigate how important genetic variation in the social environment is in determining phenotypic variation in both behavioural and life history traits. What is the nature and the genetic basis of social interactions, how do these interactions affect complex traits such as parental behaviour or sexually selected traits and how do they differ across taxa and why?
The project will address these unresolved issues using experimental work in model (mice) and non-model organisms (insects e.g. cockroaches and earwigs) combining behavioural, genetical and statistical analyses. There is the opportunity to develop own research projects in conjunction with ongoing research in the tropics and to contribute to teaching on field courses.
Funding Notes
To apply for this PhD project please see:
www.manchester.ac.uk/lifesciences/postgraduate/apply/
The project will address these unresolved issues using experimental work in model (mice) and non-model organisms (insects e.g. cockroaches and earwigs) combining behavioural, genetical and statistical analyses. There is the opportunity to develop own research projects in conjunction with ongoing research in the tropics and to contribute to teaching on field courses.
Funding Notes
To apply for this PhD project please see:
www.manchester.ac.uk/lifesciences/postgraduate/apply/