Project Title: A multi-level approach to quantifying individuality in stress
coping ability of wild animals
Application Deadline: Thursday, January 05, 2017
Supervisors: Dr. Sean Twiss (Durham Univ.), Dr. Andreanna Welch (Durham Univ.),
Dr. Patrick Pomeroy (SMRU, University of St. Andrews), Dr Amanda Bishop (Alaska
SeaLife Center).
Project description: Organisms have evolved mechanisms to cope with natural
stressors, but rapid environmental change is subjecting species to new threats
or more unpredictable and extreme natural stressors. Conventional studies focus
on species or ecosystem level responses to change, such as range or
phenological shifts, but these are products of variation in individual
responses. Individuals can show differing coping-styles; proactive individuals
express little flexibility and are less responsive to environmental stimuli,
whereas reactive individuals are more flexible and responsive. Underpinning
these behavioural characteristics are physiological differences associated with
the autonomic nervous system. Understanding how individuals differ in their
ability to cope with stressors, and the consequences if they fail to do so, is
critical for quantifying species’ resilience to current and future threats of
climate change and anthropogenic disturbance. Such understanding requires
integrative studies that uncover links between molecular and physiological
mechanisms of stress coping and the individual outcomes in terms of behaviour
and fitness. This project aims to investigate stress reactivity across these
levels of biological organisation. Within molecular ecology, interest has grown
in the effect of environmental stressors on telomere dynamics. Although
telomeres generally get shorter each time a cell divides, telomeric DNA is
particularly susceptible to oxidative damage and chronic stress exposure
accelerates telomere attrition even in adulthood, affecting health and
longevity. Thus, telomere attrition rate could indicate general levels of
oxidative damage and, therefore, exposure to stress. However, work on wild,
non-human populations is still sparse.
This study will integrate molecular indicators of stress (telomere
erosion) with measures of behavioural and physiological stress reactivity in
wild, breeding grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). Fieldwork will encompass 3
successive autumnal breeding seasons at the Isle of May (Scotland) colony,
where 30-40 adult, known age females with pups are handled routinely as part of
a long-term study of life-histories. Each female’s behavioural phenotype will
be characterized in situ using established observational and experimental
protocols which quantitatively place individuals on a proactive-reactive axis.
In addition, focal females will be equipped with heart-rate data-loggers to
provide physiological indices of coping-style. This studentship will add
another dimension to this investigation of stress reactivity by quantifying
individual differences in telomere erosion rates in relation to behavioural and
physiological indicators of coping style. Repeat sampling across years will
allow quantification of telomere attrition, giving a molecular indicator of the
preceding year’s ‘stress’. The longitudinal study design will allow the student
to control for maternal age, pup sex, inter-annual differences in maternal
investment and environmental conditions (e.g. colony density, weather).
Training: The student will gain extensive inter-disciplinary training in field
behavioural observation, application of biotelemetry devices, organisation of
fieldwork logistics and safety, along with molecular genetic techniques. Beyond
these, the student will develop critical thinking, writing, and teamwork skills
as part of dynamic, interdisciplinary, and supportive research groups.
Eligibility: Applications for this project are welcome from suitably qualified
candidates worldwide. Applicants must be applying to start a full-time PhD in
the Faculty in October 2017. They must have fulfilled the University’s
requirements regarding English language ability and must not require a
presessional course as a condition of their place.
See: https://www.dur.ac.uk/learningandteaching.handbook/1/3/3/
Funding and how to apply: This project is in competition with others for
funding (via the Durham Doctoral Studentship scheme). Success will therefore
depend on the quality of applications received, relative to those for competing
projects. If you are interested in applying, in the first instance contact Dr
Sean Twiss, ([email protected]) with a CV and covering letter, detailing
your reasons for applying for the project. Only the best applicants will be
asked to submit an application.
Candidate requirements: Potential candidates should be able to demonstrate the
ability to conduct prolonged and isolated fieldwork in harsh conditions, while
remaining dedicated and enthusiastic. Ability to work independently and as part
of a team is essential. In addition, candidates will require strong technical
and analytical skills, including experience of modern molecular genetic
techniques and statistical modelling. A UK driving licence (or equivalent) is
also desirable, but not essential. UK and Non-UK students are advised that to
be considered for the Durham Doctoral Studentship, the minimum requirements
include an excellent undergraduate degree with either postgraduate or work
experience in a relevant discipline and scientific publication(s) in peer
reviewed journals.
_________________________________
Dr. Sean Twiss,
Senior Lecturer in Behavioural Ecology and Animal Behaviour,
Department of Biosciences,
South Road,
Durham University,
Durham, DH1 3LE,
UK.
E-mail: [email protected]
Web-site:
https://www.dur.ac.uk/biosciences/about/schoolstaff/academicstaff/?id=1132
Blog: http://sealbehaviour.wordpress.com/
Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution Research (BEER) Centre:
www.dur.ac.uk/beer-centre<http://www.dur.ac.uk/beer-centre>
Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1350 (office)
Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1247 (lab)
Fax: +44 (0)191 334 1201
_________________________________
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