Epigenetic changes
Current
PhD
Can we identify epigenetic changes across the lekking season?
Can we identify epigenetic changes across the lekking season?
The lekking mating system of the black grouse has fascinated biologists for decades. The breeding season of black grouse consists of an intense 6-8 week period of lek visits, intense fighting, increased predation risk and reduced foraging opportunities. How does this stressful period affect DNA methylation?
In this thesis chapter, we identify methylation changes that occur across the lekking period and test whether individual differences in these methylation changes explain reproductive effort, cost and success.