| Michael Tobler | ||
Present Address Epost: michael.tobler@zooekol.lu.se |  |
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My research interests lie within the framework of evolutionary biology and behavioral ecology. I am particularly interested in the links between maternal effects, phenotypic plasticity and life-history strategies. I use experimental approaches to investigate evolutionary mechanisms underlying phenotypic variation. Short descriptions of my main research projects are found below.
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Causes and consequences of maternal hormone transfer Mothers of vertebrate species transfer significant amounts of hormones to their young. These hormones can have a profound influence on a wide array of offspring traits such as growth or competitiveness. It is thought that maternal hormone transfer is an important mechanism by which females can adjust the phenotype of the offspring to the prevailing environmental conditions. In birds, maternal yolk hormone levels, particularly those of androgens, vary among the eggs of a clutch as well as between clutches. I am interested in how this variation comes about, how it is maintained and, in particular, how it affects evolutionary processes. I investigate the effects of egg androgens on the offspring phenotype – particularly the offspring’s immune system, metabolic activity and behavior. Experiments are carried out both in the laboratory and in the field. As model organisms, I use different bird species including the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) and the jackdaw (Corvus monedula). This work is done in collaboration with various researchers at Lund University, in particular Dr. Maria Sandell, Prof. Dennis Hasselquist, Prof. Henrik G. Smith and Dr. Johan Nilsson. |
Variation in the ability to resist oxidative stress and its consequences for the evolution of life histories In collaboration with Prof. Mats Olsson and Dr. Mo Healey at Wollongong University, I study natural variation in free radical production and antioxidant defence systems in the Australian painted dragon (Ctenophorus pictus, see picture). Free radicals and antioxidants are often mentioned in the context of cancer and aging (e.g. antioxidants that are in red wine are supposed to reduce the risk of cancer). I am interested in this topic more from an evolutionary perspective – i.e. why are there differences in free radical production/antoxidant levels between individuals and do these differences translate into differential survival and reproductive success? Are individuals with high or low levels of free radicals and/or antioxidants subject to different selection regimes? The painted dragon is an excellent model species to study these questions because it is short-lived and the influence of free radicals and antioxidants on morphology, physiology, life-history traits and behavior can be studied at different life stages. |
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