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.
(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.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Nicola Hemmings (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Katherine Assersohn (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NE/S00713X/1 | 01/10/2019 | 30/09/2028 | |||
| 2307346 | Studentship | NE/S00713X/1 | 01/10/2019 | 05/06/2024 | Katherine Assersohn |