School of Life Sciences
PhD Research Studentship
Title: The Ecology and Evolution of Individual Behavioural Variation
A great deal of research in recent years has revealed that animals from a wide range
of species display consistent individual behaviours (known as animal personality,
behavioural types, temperament), and that this individual variation can have powerful
ecological consequences. In this project the student will focus upon unravelling some
of the ecological factors important in the evolution of animal personality, using the
three-spined stickleback as a model system. The project will be co-supervised by
Assoc. Prof. Andrew Maccoll.
Sticklebacks occupy a range of habitats which vary naturally in their parasite
abundance and diversity, predation regime, and resource availability. The project will
involve experimental lab-work, characterising individual fish for personality traits and
parasite fauna, infection experiments, and also fieldwork to explore natural
behavioural variation among and within populations in the adaptive radiation of
sticklebacks on the island of North Uist in the Scottish Outer Hebrides, from which
longitudinal data is available on parasite abundance and diversity, predation risk, and
resource availability. Key questions include: how do parasites, predation and resource
availability interact to produce patterns of individual behavioural variation in natural
populations? Do fish with different personality types vary in their parasite load, and if
so what is the mechanism driving this? What are the fitness outcomes of personality
types under divergent ecological conditions? How does documented life-history
variation, within- and between-populations relate to behavioural variation?
Applicants should have a good degree in a relevant subject, and a strong interest and
enthusiasm for evolutionary biology/ecology/animal behaviour. Previous fieldwork or
experience working with animal behaviour and/or fish parasites, and a full driving
licence would be beneficial but are not essential. This studentship is available for a
period of at least 3 years starting on 1st October 2014 and provides a stipend of
£13,863 per annum. Please note that certain eligibility conditions apply, and therefore,
this studentship is only available to UK/EU citizens.
Informal enquiries can be made to Ben Chapman: ben.chapman@nottingham.ac.uk.
Applications, with a detailed CV and the names and addresses of 2 referees, should be
sent to Dr Ben Chapman, School of Life Sciences, Room B108, Life Sciences
Building, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH. Interviews for this
studentship are expected to be held mid-July, but the vacancy is open until filled.
References
Reale et al. 2007. Integrating animal temperament within ecology and evolution.
Biological Reviews 82, 291-318.
Chapman et al. 2011. To boldly go: individual differences in boldness influence
migratory tendency. Ecology Letters 14, 871-876.