Survival of the fattest: adaptions in the birds of the High Arctic

About the Project

Biomechanical and behavioral techniques are widely used to examine how selection shapes an organism’s phenotype. However, such examinations are far from straight forward, as selection rarely acts on phenotypic traits in isolation. Instead, natural and/or sexual selection act on multiple traits simultaneously and can be constrained by trade-offs among phenotypic traits. Furthermore, data on locomotor biomechanics, which can constrain selection, aren’t known for most species, particularly in the wild, restricting the insights that can be gained from animals in their natural environment. Birds are a good model for understanding how sexual selection acts as they display a variety of behaviours and associated morphologies that have evolved because of sexual selection. The Svalbard rock ptarmigan lives in the high Arctic and is endemic to Svalbard. Detailed biomechanics of locomotion (including investigating seasonal and sex effects on the energetics and kinematics of level and incline treadmill locomotion) have been characterized in the Svalbard rock ptarmigan. These data have shown that males of this species are capable of three distinct locomotor gaits (walking, grounded running and aerial running). Remarkably, male ptarmigan demonstrate energetic saving upon the switch to aerial locomotion – providing the first evidence for energy savings with gait change in a small crouched-postured vertebrate. There are also differences between male and female locomotion and we have recently hypothesized that sexual selection may act on locomotor performance in the Svalbard ptarmigan, providing a fascinating new area for research. Here we investigate how sexual selection, and biomechanical constraints influence male ptarmigan in the wild. This proposal will use lab and field experiments (focussing on genetics, ecological, physiological and biomechanics datasets) to yield powerful insights into how selection is shaping phenotypes in an endemic high Arctic species, the Svalbard rock ptarmigan.

Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum 2:1 Bachelors Degree with Honours (or equivalent) in Biology or Zoology. Candidates with experience in whole animal biology or with an interest in biomechanics, animal physiology and field work are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline.

Before you Apply

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

How to Apply

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Biology, Zoology Programme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website: How to apply for postgraduate research at The University of Manchester

If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester

Funding Notes

Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 2 (med) fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website View Website