Promoter: Raoul Van Damme
Supervisor: Lisa Van Linden
Island populations often experience a significant reduction in genetic diversity due to founder effects and inbreeding, resulting in higher levels of homozygosity, which can potentially compromise physiological performance and fitness. Yet, despite these genetic constraints, many island populations flourish. One explanation for this paradox may lie in the reduced selective pressures typically found in island environments. These "relaxed" environments—characterized by a scarcity of predators, parasites, and competitors—may mask the harmful effects of inbreeding that would otherwise reduce fitness. To investigate whether the success of inbred island populations can be attributed to a “relaxation of selection” in comparison to their mainland counterparts, we need to measure and compare the performance and fitness of lizards in each environment.
For this Master Project, you will quantify and compare the selection gradients, population structures and environmental characteristics of one island and one mainland population of the Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus). To reach this goal, you will collect data on physiological performance (e.g. locomotion) of different age classes of lizards, population age structure, and key environmental factors (e.g. resource availability, predators) during a fieldwork expedition to Croatia and Italy in the summer months of 2025.
FELASA certificate required. Fieldwork details to be confirmed by January 2025. Being able to work independently is a must. The nature of the observations/experiments can be tailored your specific interests.