Published in: Science Authors: Bonnet et al (there are 40!) Abstract: The rate of adaptive evolution, the contribution of selection to genetic changes that increase mean fitness, is determined by the additive genetic variance in individual relative fitness. To date, there are few robust estimates of this parameter for natural populations, and it is therefore […]
Published in: Molecular Ecology Authors: Laura Duntsch, Annabel Whibley, Patricia Brekke, John G. Ewen & Anna W. Santure Abstract: Inbreeding can lead to a loss of heterozygosity in a population and when combined with genetic drift may reduce the adaptive potential of a species. However, there is uncertainty about whether resequencing data can provide accurate […]
Published in: Molecular Ecology Resources Authors: Kate D. Lee, Craig D. Miller, Patricia Brekke, Annabel Whibley, John G. Ewen, Melanie Hingston, Amy Zhu, Anna W. Santure Abstract: Next-generation sequencing has transformed the fields of ecological and evolutionary genetics by allowing for cost-effective identification of genome-wide variation. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, or “SNP chipsâ€, enable very […]
Published in: Evolutionary Ecology Authors: Alexis Rutschmann, Pierre de Villemereuil, Patricia Brekke, John G. Ewen, Neil Anderson and Anna W. Santure Abstract: In heterogeneous habitats, individuals sharing a larger part of their home-range are also likely to live in a very similar environment. This ‘common environment’ effect can generate phenotypic similarities between neighbours and lead to the […]
Published in:Â Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences Authors: Laura Duntsch, Barbara M. Tomotani, Pierre de Villemereuil, Patricia Brekke, Kate D. Lee, John G. Ewen and Anna W. Santure Abstract:Â To predict if a threatened species can adapt to changing selective pressures, it is crucial to understand the genetic basis of adaptive traits, especially […]
Published in: Evolutionary Applications Authors: Pierre de Villemereuil, Alexis Rutschmann, John Ewen, Anna Santure & Patricia Brekke Abstract: Many bird species have been observed shifting their laying date to earlier in the year in response to climate change. However, the vast majority of these studies were performed on nonâ€threatened species, less impacted by reduced genetic […]
Published in: Current Biology Authors: Pierre de Villemereuil, Alexis Rutschmann, Kate Lee, John Ewen, Patricia Brekke & Anna Santure Abstract: Threatened species face numerous threats, including future challenges triggered by global change. A possible way to cope with these challenges is through adaptive evolution, which requires adaptive potential. Adaptive potential is defined as the genetic […]
One of New Zealand’s rarest native birds has shown how threatened species everywhere are facing a tougher time adapting to our fast-changing planet. Scientists have already shown how domesticated animals and wild creatures that aren’t threatened can adapt to different environments if they’re flexible enough, could shift ranges, or can simply evolve. But new research […]
Published in: Behavioral Ecology Authors: Kirsty J. MacLeod1, Patricia Brekke2, Wenfei Tong1,3, John G. Ewen2 and Rose Thorogood1 1. Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street CB2 3EJ, Cambridge, UK, 2. Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, UK and 3. Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812 USA Abstract: If environmental or maternal factors favor […]
Please join us in a short history of hihi conservation and the central role that Tiritiri Matangi island has played in the return of hihi to parts of their former range. Our story focusses on these most colourful and charismatic of New Zealand’s endemic birds. We share their history, some of their extreme behaviours and […]
Published in:Â Animal Conservation Date published:Â July 2016 Authors:Â K. M. Richardson (1,2), J. G. Ewen (2), P. Brekke (2), L. R. Doerr (3), K. A. Parker (4,5) Â & D. P. Armstrong (1) 1 Wildlife Ecology Group, Te Kura Matauranga o nga Taonga a Papatuanuku, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand 2 Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of […]
Published in: Animal Behaviour Date published: July 2016 Authors: Kirsty J. MacLeoda, Patricia Brekkeb, John G. Ewenb, Rose Thorogooda a Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K. b Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, U.K. Abstract Size hierarchies are often seen when nestlings hatch asynchronously over a period of days. Shorter hatch periods are common across passerines, […]