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

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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.