A practical guide to question formation, systematic searching and study screening for literature reviews in ecology and evolution

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 12(9), P. 1705 - 1720

Published: June 4, 2021

Abstract Well‐conducted systematic reviews are invaluable for synthesising research findings. The conclusions of a review depend on how the question was formulated, relevant studies were found and selected synthesis. Here, we present practical guide ecologists evolutionary biologists formulating review, finding representative sample We explain steps involved using worked example training exercises. Throughout this share tricks trade, included rules thumb software that have useful. hope our paper helps demystify search process encourages more researchers to adopt reproducible approach when searching literature.

Language: Английский

A matter of taste : the role of compatibility in mate preferences in great tits

Published: Oct. 31, 2018

By choosing the right partner individuals can gain reproductive benefits and increase their success. These be direct, when offspring’s quality or quantity is increased by behaviour investment of mate, indirect, offspring genetic contribution mate. While previously it was often thought that were primarily caused higher these preferred partners, more studies suggest also compatibility may Mate especially important differ in preferences for a Although uniform are assumed, an increasing number indicate have preference different trait values. Moreover, differences depend on chooser’s own values, indicating prefer mate best fit them, rather than universally ‘best individual’. A captive populations found fitness from mating with certain individual between individuals, suggesting both direct indirect compatible mates. However, still unclear how perceived attractiveness affect success wild population. Additionally, to understand consequences evolution preferences, choice should studied as two distinct processes. To our knowledge, no study thus far has combined all three tested what under constraints Therefore, overall aim this thesis role its effects success, comparing measured resulting relating pair aspects When measuring results affected evaluate compare available options they presented with. Preferences assumed absolute, assigning fixed, absolute value cue potential encounter. In reality however, options, which case social context plays essential each partner. For I used 6-choice setup test great tits Using such design allowed comparatively partners. presenting 6 measurement non-linear preferences. reveal use combination comparative evaluation responses stimulus groups. This suggests flexibly methods, depending situation encounter mates in. With knowledge species encounters evaluates mates, possible choose most appropriate experimental analysis obtain reliable measurements The ability accurately quantify expected understanding choice, ultimately sexual selection. traits there population-wide bird we (heterozygosity, intensity yellow breast plumage, black stripe size body condition) slopes (at least of) differed individuals. Thus, preferring same attractive themselves. find Compatibility dependent pairs’ Here show choosers’ traits, traits. testing characteristics sexes had heterozygosity levels similar themselves, not those would optimise heterozygosity. similarity reflected subsequent field experiment where cross fostered offspring, foster parents despite absence assortative patterns. underlie selection persists choice. Another play large behavioural compatibility. Especially biparental care personality provisioning particular, recording parental tit pairs known exploratory behaviour. experimentally cross-fostering able distinguish pre-hatching rearing weight fledging probability. personalities did Instead, although birds provision trade-off visit rate prey volume, fast brought smaller given lower amount delivered offspring. led faster explorers bringing total volume certainly finding benefit Despite behaviour, effect performance. dependent, only become apparent challenges breeding attempt. better insight into pressures favour combinations over contexts. dependence fluctuating compatibility, personality. Individuals been shown perceive attractive. Since here some less investigated if individual, pair. On basis tests, calculated functions season estimated measure paired while likely random mating. female investment, method estimating gives further studying related shed light adaptive that, quite often, patterns benefits. always being to, according benefitted therefore result ones’ whilst physical environmental constraints. emphasizes importance fully acts conclude, revealed partners compatible, attractive, evolved pairing. illustrate considering processes,

Language: Английский

Mature sperm small RNA profile in the sparrow: implications for transgenerational effects of age on fitness

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 16, 2019

Abstract Mammalian sperm RNA has recently received a lot of interest due to its involvement in epigenetic germline inheritance. Studies inheritance have shown that environmental exposures can induce effects the offspring without altering DNA sequence germ cells. Most mechanistic studies were conducted laboratory rodents and C.elegans while observational confirm phenotypic phenomenon wild populations humans other species including birds. Prominently, paternal age house sparrows affects fitness, yet mechanism is unknown. This study provides first reference sparrow small as an attempt uncover their role transmission on offspring. In this scale pilot, we found no statistically significant differences between miRNA tRNA fragments aged prime sperm. These results indicate information carriers, such distinct classes, modifications, methylation retained histones, clear necessity future populations.

Language: Английский