Evolutive Ecology Seminars

Thursday 20th October 2011

 

17h Wendy Hood 

Assistant research professor in Biological Sciences at Auburn University

 

Calcium, bones, milk, and babies: Investigating the role of extrinsic and intrinsic limitations on reproduction

One of the most essential interactions between an organism and its environment is through the food it consumes to support survival and reproduction. Dr Hood’s research focuses on the interaction between diet, life-history tradeoffs, and the physiological mechanisms that control these interactions. A primary focus of her laboratory has been understanding the cost to mothers of mobilizing bone mineral during lactation compared to the rewards to offspring in the form of superior skeletal development. Dr Hood will describe her recent work on extrinsic and intrinsic constraints on reproductive performance in bats, mice, and ground squirrels.

18h Geoffrey Hill

Professor in Biological Sciences at Auburn University

Rethinking the mechanisms of honest signaling

Condition is a nearly ubiquitous term in the behavioral, physiological, and evolutionary literature, yet existing definitions are incomplete or ambiguous.  Too often in the literature, condition is defined as nutrient reserves.  This poor conceptualization has led to confusion regarding what is being signaled by condition-dependent traits and how to interpret links between ornamentation and individual characteristics such as nutrient reserves, oxidative state, and immunocompetence.  I propose that the combined effects of the somatic state, epigenetic state, and genotype of an organism determine condition.  I define condition as the relative capacity to maintain optimal functionality of vital systems within the body.  A condition-dependent trait is a conspicuous feature of an organism that enhances perception of condition. If the honesty of ornamental traits derives from connections to vital cellular processes then there is no need to invoke a resource tradeoffs to insure signal honesty.

 

 

Free access
Sala d'Actes del

Laboratori de Natura

Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona

P.Picasso s/n, 08003 Barcelona

Curso Básico de Biodiversidad

Darwin Eventur está organizando junto con el Departamento de Botánica y el Departamento de Zoología de la Universidad de Granada, y en el que colaboran la Asociación Sectorial de Alumnos de Biología de Granada (S.A.B.-Granada), la titulación de Biología de la Ugr, y la Facultad de Ciencias de Granada el curso:

"Curso Básico de Biodiversidad" del 3 al 5 de Noviembre de 2011, en el Salón de Grados de la Facultad de Ciencias de Granada, en horario de mañana y tarde.

El curso durará 15 horas, donde se fomentará el conocimiento e importancia de los seres vivos que habitan en nuestro planeta, ya sean del Dominio Archaea, Bacteria o Eukarya.

Se ha solicitado 1 crédito ECTS para todas las titulaciones de Grado de la Ugr y 1,5 créditos para las titulaciones a extinguir de la Facultad de Ciencias, y de la Facultad de Farmacia.

El precio del curso es de 25€, aunque tenemos una doble promoción! Podéis ver la información completa en: http://goo.gl/RuYng

Y el programa del curso: http://goo.gl/pbHt2

Graduate position: ETH Zurich Speciation

Doctoral position available

Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zürich



In the group Plant Ecological Genetics of the Institute Integrative
Biology, ETH Zürich, is a doctoral position available starting January
1, 2012.

Project title: Mechanisms of pre- and postzygotic isolation in cryptic
Epichloë species

Project description: Speciation is one of the most fundamental processes
in biology that leads to biological diversity. However, the mechanisms of
speciation are variable in different organisms and incompletely known,
particularly in members of Fungi. Epichloë endophytes (Ascomycota,
Clavicipitaceae) with its sexual species offer an ideal model system
on which mechanisms of reproductive isolation, a prerequisite of
speciation, can be studied. The planned research will investigate
several potential pre- and post zygotic isolation mechanisms that may
operate among members of genus Epichloë including a species complex
with several host-associated cryptic species. The project is positioned
at the interface of ecology, genetics and evolutionary biology and will
involve field work as well as greenhouse and lab experiments.

We offer a supportive and stimulating environment within the plant
ecological genetics group on the main campus of ETH Zürich.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate (3 year funding)
with strong interests in ecological genetics and/or evolutionary
biology. Candidates should have a Diploma or Master's degree in Biology
or Plant Sciences.

Applications should be sent to the address given below (preferably by
e-mail) and should include (1) a letter describing research motivation
and experience,  (2) a CV together with copies of degree certificates
(graduate and undergraduate), and (3) contact details of at least two
scientific referees.

Contact:
Prof. Dr. A. Leuchtmann
Institute of Integrative Biology
Universitaetstrasse 16
CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland
e-mail: adrian.leuchtmann@env.ethz.ch
phone:             +41 44 632 3854     

MS and PhD Research and Teaching Assistantships in Aquatic Ecology

The Aquatic Ecology Laboratory at Washington State University Vancouver,
directed by Dr. Stephen Bollens and Dr. Gretchen Rollwagen-Bollens, has paid
assistantships available for new graduate students to contribute to a
growing and dynamic program in Aquatic Ecology.   We are currently accepting
applications to begin study in January 2012, or August 2012.

Specific research opportunities exist in the following areas:  1) aquatic
invasive species (e.g. zooplankton, crayfish, fish), 2) harmful algal
blooms, 3) fish and invertebrate response to wetland restoration, and 4)
diel vertical migration of plankton.

Graduate students are supported on a combination of Research Assistantships
and traditional Teaching Assistantships.  Students who begin in January 2012
are also eligible to apply for one-year “GK-12” Teaching Fellowships which
pay a $30,000 annual stipend with the expectation of 15 hours/week
collaborating with a middle school science teacher in a local school district.

Degree programs:  M.S. and Ph.D. in Environmental Science; M.S. and Ph.D. in
Zoology.  Application deadlines:  For January 2012 admission, apply as soon
as possible.  For August 2012 admission, applications will be accepted
through March 2011; but priority will given to those who apply by January
10, 2011.

Campus and Facilities:  Washington State University Vancouver is one of four
campuses in the WSU system, and is a rapidly expanding institution located
within the greater Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA metropolitan area, near the
Columbia River, Cascade Mountains and coastal Pacific ocean.  The 351-acre
campus offers new, state-of-the-art classroom and research facilities, where
teaching and research are conducted in an interdisciplinary and
collaborative atmosphere.

For more information please visit the WSUV Aquatic Ecology Laboratory
website (http://research.vancouver.wsu.edu/aquatic-ecology-lab), or the WSU
Vancouver Science Programs website (http://science.vancouver.wsu.edu/) or
contact us directly:

Dr. Stephen M. Bollens (sbollens@vancouver.wsu.edu)
Dr. Gretchen Rollwagen-Bollens (rollboll@vancouver.wsu.edu)
Washington State University Vancouver
14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue
Vancouver, WA
98686-9600
USA

Postdoc in USA

Postdoctoral Position at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

A position is available for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the lab of Maria Servedio at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, to work on theoretical models of male and mutual mate choice. The applicant will be expected to develop an independent research project(s) in addition to collaborating with the PI on theoretical projects. Prior experience with theoretical modeling techniques, a strong mathematical background, and programming skills is preferred. A Ph.D. and a strong background in evolution is required.

Research in the Servedio lab concentrates developing mathematical models of speciation and mate choice. Please see http://www.bio.unc.edu/Faculty/Servedio/Lab/Home.html or contact Maria Servedio (servedio@email.unc.edu) for more information on projects ongoing in the lab.

The appointment is for 2 years with a flexible start date. Send applications including a CV, description of research experience and interests, brief description of background in theory and related skills, and names and addresses of three references to Maria Servedio at servedio@email.unc.edu

Informal inquiries are welcome as well. Review of applications will begin on October 30 and continue until the position is filled.

Volunteee field assistants for project in South Africa

2 volunteers needed from November / December 2011 onwards

2 volunteers needed from January 2012 onwards

as field assistants for the project:

Evolution and Socio-Ecology of small Mammals in the Succulent Karoo of South Africa



Opportunity: This is a great opportunity for anybody who wants to get more experience in field work relating to evolution, ecology and behavior before starting an MsC or PhD project.

Project: We study the evolutionary and ecological reasons as well as physiological mechanisms of group living, paternal care, communal nesting and social flexibility in the striped mouse. As this species is diurnal and the habitat is open, direct behavioral observations in the field are possible.

What kind of people are needed? Biology/zoology/veterinary students are preferred as candidates. Applicants must have an interest in working in the field and with animals. Hard working conditions will await applicants, as the study species gets up with sunrise (between 5 and 6 o` clock), and stops its activity with dusk (19 o` clock). Work during nights might also be necessary. Work in the field will be done for 5 days a week. Applicants must be able to manage extreme temperatures (below 0 at night in winter, sometimes over 40°C during summer days). Applicants must both be prepared to live for long periods in the loneliness of the field and to be part of a small social group.

Work of field assistants: Trapping, marking and radio-tracking of striped mice; direct behavioral observations in the field. Volunteers are also expected to help with maintenance of the research station (water pump, solar power, etc.)

Confirmation letter: Students get a letter of confirmation about their work and can prepare a report of their own small project to get credit points from their university for their bachelor or masters studies.

Costs: Students have to arrange their transport to the field site themselves. Per month, an amount of Rand 1250 (around 180 US$, 125 Euro) must be paid for accommodation at the research station. Students must buy their own food etc in Springbok (costs of about R 2500, approx. 360 US$ or 250 Euro/month). Including extras (going out for dinner; shopping), you should expect costs of about 600 US$, 450 Euros per month. Students get an invitation letter which they can use to apply for funding in their home country (eg. DAAD in Germany, SSJARP in Switzerland).

Place: The field site is in the Goegap Nature Reserve near Springbok in the North-West of South Africa. The vegetation consists of Succulent Karoo, which has been recognized as one of 25 hotspots of biodiversity. It is a desert to semi-desert with rain mainly in winter (June to September).

When and how long: At the moment we are looking for 2-3 volunteers starting in November / December 2011 and two additional volunteers starting in January 2012. Volunteers are expected to stay at least 4 months, but longer periods of up to 6months are possible.

How to apply? Send a short motivation letter stating why and for which period you are interested and your CV via email to carsten.schradin@ieu.uzh.ch.



More information under

http://stripedmouse.com/site1_3_5.htm

http://www.ieu.uzh.ch/research/behaviour/endocrinology.html

Contact via e-mail: carsten.schradin@ieu.uzh.ch



Dr. Carsten Schradin
Research Assistant, Department of Animal Behavior,
University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
Tel: +41 - (0)44 635 5486

Honorary Researcher at the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences,
University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

Postdoc position in Germany

The Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB, www.igb-berlin.de) is the principal German research centre for limnological and inland fisheries biological
research. It unites hydrologists, chemists, microbiologists, fish ecologists, fisheries biologists, theoretical biologists and social scientists to study freshwater ecology and inland
fisheries from a holistic systems perspective. IGB is member of the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. (www.fv-berlin.de) and the Leibniz-Association (www.wgl.de). The FVB manages 8 large research institutes in Berlin that have close links to all three universities in the German capital. IGB offers excellent laboratory and field facilities for interdisciplinary research, large-scale experimental facilities, and long-term research programs and data sets. Work by IGB combines basic and applied research as a basis for sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems and inland fisheries including aquaculture and recreational fisheries.

The Inland Fisheries Management Laboratory at Humboldt-University of Berlin (Germany) and the Inter- and Transdisciplinary Young Investigator Group Besatzfisch (Stocked Fish Project) (www.besatz-fisch.de, see also www.adaptfish.igb-berlin.de) in the Department of Biology and Ecology of Fishes at IGB invite applications for a
two-year position (starting date January, 1, 2012) as:

PostDoc/Scientist − Modelling Fisheries as Coupled Social-Ecological System

Topic: Developing integrative, process-based simulation models of human-nature interactions exemplified by German recreational fisheries. Models shall focus on analysing the social, economic and biological impacts of freshwater fish stocking in the face of heterogeneous anglers exploiting spatially structured freshwater fisheries governed by varying institutional settings. The management strategy evaluation framework shall be used to evaluate the implications of key uncertainties associated with the implementation of different management tools and to study resulting trade-offs in terms of socio-economic and biological outcomes.

Requirements:
* PhD in natural resource modelling, mathematical biology, economics, quantitative environmental sociology or related fields, preferably with a focus on fisheries
* Strong quantitative skills (model-building and statistics, key programming languages)
* Good academic record in terms of publications
* Ability and motivation to work both independently and in an interdisciplinary team of social and natural scientists
* Very good working knowledge of English
* Familiarity with recreational fishing and German language are benefits

Salary is paid according to the TVöD and includes health insurance (gross salary up to 50.000 € depending on age and qualifications). In keeping with the IGB's policy regarding gender equality, female applicants are particularly encouraged to apply. Disabled people with identical qualifications will be favoured. Please send your application materials (brief motivation letter of 2-4 pages with an outline of past and future research topics in light of the above-mentioned topical framework, CV, list of publications, three most important papers, scans
of certificates, names and email of three referees) in one combined PDF electronically not later than October, 30, 2011 to arlinghaus@igb-berlin.de (Prof. Dr.
Robert Arlinghaus, also to be used to address questions related to the job).

Complete contact details are:
Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries,
Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V.
Department of Biology and Ecology of Fishes,
Prof. Dr. Robert Arlinghaus, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin,
Germany