My work combines molecular genetic analyses (microsatellite data
and immunogenetic data) with life history, behavioural, physiological,
and morphological data collected in wild populations of various species
to investigate the forces that may maintain additive genetic diversity in
the wild.
My research focuses on two interlinked topics.
First, I have been working on various aspects of sexual selection in
a socially monogamous species with extra-pair paternity, the blue tit.
Using long-term data on individual genetic diversity and extra-pair
paternity in blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) from Vienna, Austria,
we demonstrated that females may gain genetic benefits in terms
of 'compatible genes' through extra-pair copulations. In socially
monogamous birds where mate choice is restricted, extra-pair
matings often provide the only opportunity to produce genetically
superior offspring. Blue tits were already known as a good example
for the benefit of 'good genes' (that are under directional selection).
We showed that the two types of genetic benefits, namely 'good
genes' and 'compatible genes' (the latter not being under directional
selection) can drive the evolution of multiple mate choice within the
same system.
Second, I started to use quantitative genetic methods to study
mechanisms that may maintain genetic variation in natural
populations. Heritable genetic variation for fitness traits is a
paradox finding, given our understanding of directional selection
processes on such traits. Drosophila laboratory experiments
suggested the existence of limits to the evolution of a single genetic
optimum for males and females. Using an exceptional long-term data
set on free-living red deer (Cervus elaphus) from the Isle of Rum,
Scotland, we demonstrated the existence of sexually antagonistic
fitness variation in a natural population. Furthermore, we showed
that this sexually antagonistic effect results in selection against
males with genotypes for high female fitness. This study shows that
the selective advantage of 'good genes' is gender-specific: good
genes for males are not necessarily good genes for females.
I am now continuing to study antagonistic selection on male and female
individuals, using data from a plant, the white campion. This dioecious
flower was one of the first examples for sexually antagonistic genetic variation.
In this project, I use data on plants from experimental crosses to test for
additive genetic variance and heritability of fitness-related life-history traits,
and I examine within-sex and between-sex genetic correlations.
