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

在这个项目中，我们将测试雄性斑马雀如何符合它们由普遍的性竞争水平设定的个性化的社会生态位。我们将首先通过分析性竞争的调整，包括行为(例如攻击性)和射精(例如精子运动)特征来量化男性的生态位一致性。然后，我们将确定内分泌(通过激素分析)和转录(通过RNAseq)水平的潜在机制。接下来，我们将使用生态位匹配/错配方法来评估生态位一致性的适应性意义。最后，我们将测试在性竞争方面的投资与父亲照顾之间的权衡。

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.