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The genetic basis of female fertility

Lead Research Organisation: University of Sheffield
Department Name: Animal and Plant Sciences

Abstract

Understanding variation in reproductive success is a fundamental goal of evolutionary biology, with broad implications for fields such as conservation and reproductive medicine. Females typically invest more in reproduction than males, and yet we know relatively little about how and why female fertility varies across individuals. This PhD will use breeding data compiled over 30 years from a captive population of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), a library of complementary DNA samples, and cutting-edge genomics tools, to investigate the genetic basis of female fertility traits. Key goals of the project are to:

(1) Quantify individual repeatability of female fertility across matings with different males.
(2) Determine the heritability of female fertility traits using quantitative genetic approaches.
(3) Investigate the potential for sexual conflict between male and female fertility-related traits.

Publications

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publication icon
Assersohn K (2021) Physiological factors influencing female fertility in birds. in Royal Society open science

Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
NE/S00713X/1 30/09/2019 29/09/2028
2307346 Studentship NE/S00713X/1 30/09/2019 04/06/2024 Katherine Assersohn