Internship - Evolution of fish brain morphology linked with behavior
Hosting structure : Department of Aquaculture & fish Biology, Hólar University - Iceland
Dates : 6 months from December 2022, discussable
Context of the study:
Comparative studies might give an insight on how animal personality (i.e. consistent behaviors across time and contexts) has evolved across taxa. The evolution of animal personality is of a particular interest because behavior is the first response for animals to cope with ecological constraints. Hence, personality traits have an impact on individuals’ fitness and are consequently subject to natural selection. In that sense, personality traits in each population should be locally adapted to its particular
ecological conditions.
The Icelandic Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus, AC) is found as several sympatric morphs thriving in very different types of habitats, from anadromous to benthic and pelagic lake-resident morphs. We hypothesize personality to be shaped according to both evolutionary history and current ecological factors, which could be linked to differential brain morphology between populations. The project is led by Pr. David Benhaïm (lead PI, Hólar Univ.) in collaboration across Hólar Univ. (Pr. Bjarni K. Kristjánsson, Dr. Camille Leblanc), University of Caen, France (Dr. Christelle Jozet), IFREMER, France (Dr. Marie-Laure Bégout), INRA, France (Dr. Xavier Cousin) and University of Iceland (Pr. Zophonías Jónsson).
Student project:
The student will specifically identify brain morphological clues underpinning behavioral traits differences between populations, morphs and environments. This will be done by monitoring shapes and volumes in several brain structures of offspring from five wild AC morphs raised under complex vs. plain conditions, that underwent personality tests. To do so, the student will perform:
• Brain landmarking on photographs with a morphometrics software (shape).
• Brain regional measurements on photographs (volume).
• Analyses and interpretation of the morphology data obtained, and linking those to personality traits results.
The student will be working in close collaboration with a PhD student, Marion Dellinger.
Requirements:
The candidates must be enrolled in a degree in the fields of neurosciences, behavioral or evolutionary ecology, ethology, or relevant equivalent fields. The ideal candidate has a strong interest in pluridisciplinary research with an emphasis on behavior. S/he enjoys team-working but should be able to work independently as well. Statistical skills will be a plus. A valid driving license is a requirement.
Organizational details:
Working language is English. The student will be provided with a discount on University accommodation as a lab member, and commuting between the lab and the accommodation place will be at the lab's charge. The student will also have free access to the University gym, pool, hot pot and cold pot. Hólar also provides wonderful sceneries for hiking in the mountains and the forest. Aside, this internship is not gratified, but Iceland is eligible for Erasmus+ grants.
Application:
Applicants should send an application letter, with a statement of research interests and relevant experience and curriculum vitae as a single pdf to both Pr. David Benhaïm (benhaim@holar.is) and Marion Dellinger (marion@holar.is). Requests for further information can be sent at the same email addresses.