Maternal effects mediated by immunity: Sources of variation in maternal antibodies and effects on offspring in wild rockhopper penguins.

The central aim of my research project is to study how females may shape the phenotype of their offspring via the deposition of MAb into eggs, and how this maternal deposition is affected by their own body, physiological and immunological conditions (later referred to as female phenotypic quality).I will first examine the transfer of MAb from the mother to the eggs. Second, I will look at the effects of these MAb on the physiology, humoral immunity, growth and survival of the embryos and chicks. Finally, I will also examine the potential role of corticosterone, the main avian stress hormone, on these mechanisms. To this end, a combination of correlative andexperimental approaches will be used.

Keywords:PENGUINS, CORTICOSTERONE

Disciplines:Animal biology, Veterinary medicine