Oxidative stress as a constraint and cost of reproduction.

In this project, I propose to address the following hypotheses using the canary (Serinus canaria) and the great tit (Parus major) as model species: prereproductive oxidative stress reduces subsequent reproductive investment; high parental effort in chick-rearing increases parental oxidative stress and reduces survival or future investment in reproduction; oxidative stress experienced during incubation reduces subsequent investment in chick-rearing. To this end, I will use a combination of experiments that will manipulate the pre- or post-laying oxidative stress level or the oxidative stress induced by chick-rearing effort.

Keywords:EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, OXIDATIVE STRESS, REPRODUCTION

Disciplines:Animal biology, Ecology, Genetics, Environmental science and management, Other environmental sciences, Veterinary medicine