Research Annie Pinxten

Abstract

How can secondary school students learn to reflect about science? A widening gap between scientific consensus and public opinion on topics such as climate change, vaccine safety or evolution, makes this question ever so relevant. Misconceptions about science contribute to the skepticism towards scientific knowledge and the rise of fake news. Science education can play a key role to turn the tide. The question is which classroom approach is effective. This PhD-project focuses on what the effect may be of allowing students to participate in dialogues about science. Because learning science is more than grasping scientific ideas such as evolution or the molecular structure of a virus. It also entails learning about the building processes of scientific knowledge. This knowledge about science is known as 'Nature of science' (NOS). A dialogue-based approach is poorly implemented or studied in NOS education. In particular, a dialogue technique from the field of humanities seems an interesting instrument to stimulate reflection about NOS in this context: the philosophical dialogue. This teaching method helps students reflect about big questions and clarify the meaning of concepts. The aim of this PhD project is to investigate and evaluate the effect of the implementation of philosophical dialogues on the NOS understanding of third grade secondary school students. First, the current didactic practices with regard to NOS in secondary science education are charted through a document study and teacher interviews. Then, a systematic literature review allows categorizing and analyzing current approaches towards NOS education. These steps will allow formulating the conditions for implementing dialogue-based NOS education in the scienceclass. Lastly, a quasi-experimental intervention study will allow introducing the philosophical dialogues about NOS in secondary school classes. This explorative study will allow measuring the effect of the intervention on the NOS understanding of students. Thus, the study increases our understanding of the impact of dialogue-based NOS-education. This longitudinal study is unique in its combination of two different didactic paradigms in the field of humanities and science didactics. The study allows studying and evaluating a new didactic approach and sharing the findings in the research community. In turn, the study can contribute to empower students in recognizing and debunking fake news about science.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Schrijver Jelle
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Co-promoter: Van Petegem Peter

Research team(s)

• Didactica

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Individual differences in the expression of traits that improve competitive ability ("competitive traits"; e.g. aggression, ornaments) might play a major role in life history trade-offs, but this is rarely examined in females. At the same time, it has become increasingly clear that individuals often consistently differ in a whole suite of behavioural traits, known as personality. This highlights that behavioural traits (like aggression) should not be studied in isolation given they might not be able to evolve independently under selection. Understanding the selective forces acting on competitive traits in females hence requires their integration within both a personality and life history framework, which will be done here for the first time. Using the great tit (a songbird species) as a model, I will examine whether females consistently differ in a wide variety of ecologically relevant behaviours (female-female aggression, nest defence, exploration) and whether this is associated with differences in melanin-based plumage traits and investment in parental care. Solid integration within life history will be done by examining the link with life time fitness variation and telomere dynamics, a potential underlying proximate variable. At the end of this project I aim to have generated a better understanding of the costs and benefits associated with different female competitive phenotypes, and hence why they exist and how they are maintained.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Fellow: Thys Bert

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Individual differences in the expression of traits that improve competitive ability ("competitive traits"; e.g. aggression, ornaments) might play a major role in life history trade-offs, but this is rarely examined in females. At the same time, it has become increasingly clear that individuals often consistently differ in a whole suite of behavioural traits, known as personality. This highlights that behavioural traits (like aggression) should not be studied in isolation given they might not be able to evolve independently under selection. Understanding the selective forces acting on competitive traits in females hence requires their integration within both a personality and life history framework, which will be done here for the first time. Using the great tit (a songbird species) as a model, I will examine whether females consistently differ in a wide variety of ecologically relevant behaviours (female-female aggression, nest defence, exploration) and whether this is associated with differences in melanin-based plumage traits and investment in parental care. Solid integration within life history will be done by examining the link with life time fitness variation and telomere dynamics, a potential underlying proximate variable. At the end of this project I aim to have generated a better understanding of the costs and benefits associated with different female competitive phenotypes, and hence why they exist and how they are maintained.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Fellow: Thys Bert

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Artificial light at night (ALAN) has been underexplored as an anthropogenic stressor compared to chemical and noise pollution and it can be considered a threat to biodiversity. Because organisms have evolved with the periodicity of light dark cycles, ALAN may affect multiple aspects of behaviour and physiology. Changes in behaviour and physiology associated with ALAN may have particularly strong effects early in life, when developmental trajectories are sensitive to stressful conditions. Yet, a major gap in knowledge involves the effects of ALAN during development, particularly in natural populations. Using birds as a model, we will perform the first study to comprehensively examine how exposure to ALAN affects physiological stress in nestlings in the short- and long-term. We will examine whether early life light exposure affects aging rate, as indicated by telomere dynamics. Finally, we will assess whether exposure to ALAN early in life has enduring effects on the phenotype and fitness (reproduction, survival) of adults. We will use experimental approaches, involving manipulations of light inside nestboxes and cross-fostering experiments. We will also collect correlational data, using a population exposed to heterogeneous light regimes. By elucidating effects of ALAN on developing organisms and assessing mitigating strategies (such as part-night lighting), our study will motivate action to cope with the consequences of living in lighted environments.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Toxic pollutants increasingly threaten the integrity of natural populations. Metal pollution can have particularly detrimental effects on organisms and entire ecosystems. One potent means by which metal pollution may affect organisms is by elevating oxidative stress, resulting in biomolecular damage and fitness declines. However, the long-term behavioral and fitness implications of metal-induced oxidative stress are poorly understood. Using great tits (Parus major) as a model species, I propose to comprehensively explore how metal pollution affects oxidative stress, aging rate, behavior and fitness. I will perform the first study to examine whether metal-induced oxidative stress affects aging rate, on the molecular level as indicated by telomere degradation, and in terms of sexual signals and fitness traits. I will also explore effects of metal pollution on risk-taking behavior, which may be altered via effects of oxidative stress on neural function and life history decisions. I will study nest box populations of great-tits located across a metal pollution gradient. Experimental approaches will include exposing nestlings to metals and antioxidants, a parental risk-taking experiment, and measuring exploratory behavior in the laboratory. This study will make a pioneering contribution to evolutionary biology by testing the oxidative stress theory of aging in the context of metal pollution, and have critical importance to ecotoxicology and conservation biology.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Fellow: Grunst Andrea

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Light pollution is likely to have a diverse and complex impact on individual animals. It can influence multiple biological systems simultaneously both directly and indirectly. The overall aim of this project is therefore to study the effects of light pollution and emerging mitigating strategies (part-night and adaptive lighting) on songbirds (great tits) in an integrated way.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Fellow: Raap Thomas

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Light at night (LAN) is likely to have diverse and complex impacts on individual animals. It can influence multiple biological systems simultaneously both directly and indirectly. Therefore the overall aim of this project is to study the effects of LAN on songbirds in an integrated way. Great tits (Parus major) are highly suited to address our objectives.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Light pollution is likely to have a diverse and complex impact on individual animals. It can influence multiple biological systems simultaneously both directly and indirectly. The overall aim of this project is therefore to study the effects of light pollution and emerging mitigating strategies (part-night and adaptive lighting) on songbirds (great tits) in an integrated way.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Fellow: Raap Thomas

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Province of Antwerp. UA provides the Province of Antwerp research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Petegem Peter
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie

Research team(s)

• EduBROn

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project investigates alternative and/or new formats for field experiences. The project started with an inventory of possible formats for field experiences in teacher education. Based on this inventory team teaching was explored in further detail and implemented thanks to pilot projects in two specific teacher training programmes. The project investigates how the actors involved in team teaching (student teachers, mentors, teacher educators and learners in the classroom) experience different team teaching models. Moreover, it examines the effect of the models on student teachers' learning patters and learning outcomes. (This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other ELAnt. UA shall contribute to the project under the conditions as stipulated in the present contract.)

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Simons Mathea
• Co-promoter: Deprez Johan
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie

Research team(s)

• Didactica

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Province of Antwerp. UA provides the Province of Antwerp research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Co-promoter: Janssens Koen

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology
• Didactica

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project aims to tackle some pending philosophical, psychological and biological isues with regard to art by combining research methods from these different domains. The following questions will be addressed. (1) Is there a deep similarity between human art and "artistic" behaviour in animals or are the observed similarities only superficial? (2) To what extent can signalling theory - a body of theoretical work within evolutionary biology examining communication between individuals - make precise predictions about art systems or traditions? (3) Can applying signalling theory to art shed new light on authenticity, a long-standing problem in the philosophy of art?

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pinxten Annie

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this study we examine maternal yolk hormones in the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), which give the female the ability to modify offspring phenotype to their future environment. We study the variation of maternal yolk hormones within and between clutches. We search evidence for possible mechanism of variable hormone deposition in the yolk and we study the effects of variable deposition for the offspring, in the short term as well as in the long term.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Fellow: Lahaye Stefanie

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

During this project we aim to study, in an integrated manner, the causes and consequences of variation in a wide range of song characteristics in the great tit. By utilising automatic song recording systems, we will register and quantify all possible aspects of the song of at least 200 free-living great tits in full detail. We aim to monitor as many males as possible during their life time. The unique dataset obtained in this way will be used for further cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. We will study the causes and consequences in song behaviour in an integrated way by using physiological, immuno-endocrine, and state-of-the-art molecular techniques, as well as personality and learning tests and heredity analyses.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this study we examine maternal yolk hormones in the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), which give the female the ability to modify offspring phenotype to their future environment. We study the variation of maternal yolk hormones within and between clutches. We search evidence for possible mechanism of variable hormone deposition in the yolk and we study the effects of variable deposition for the offspring, in the short term as well as in the long term.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Fellow: Lahaye Stefanie

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Co-promoter: Eens Marcel
• Fellow: De Jong Berber

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Fellow: Van Hout Alain

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Secondary sexual characteristic give signals about individual quality to potential mates- 'good genes' hypothesis. In the last years there is a growing interest in studies concerning evolution of secondary sexual traits in female species. In the literature there are more and more evidence signifying that the mate choice may not be limited to the female, but may occur bilaterally. Furthermore it has been suggested that secondary sexual traits in females can have an adaptive value. This research aims at better understanding of the function of secondary sexual traits in female individuals. It focuses particularly on song behavior in female starlings, which until now has not been studied in detail, and explores its endocrine and neurobiological basis. The study gives attention to the seasonal and individual variation in female song activity. By investigating the relationships between song characteristics (song complexity and/or song frequency) and other characteristics (immunocompetence, weight, timing of pair formation and clutch size) this research provides a better view at the adaptive significance of variation in female song behavior. Preliminary results suggest that female song in this species might be used as an honest signal advertising quality.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Fellow: Zaprianova-Pavlova Denitza

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Several models of sexual selection predict that females choose males of high quality, an attribute that can be inherited by their offspring wich in turn enhances their survival (good genes models), on the basis of secondary sexual traits. However, over the years, it has been difficult to define this quality. In 1982, Hamilton and Zuk (1982) proposed that the resistance to infections and diseases (immunocompetence) could be used by females to choose a mate. For a few years now, possible tradeoffs between the individual immune system and fitness related traits like reproductive efforts and secondary sexual traits (ecological immunology) have become also more of interest.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Fellow: Snoeijs Tinne

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Fellow: Custers Inge

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Male secondary sexual behaviours have been the focus of intensive research. By contrast, the evolution of secondary sexual behaviours in females has received little attention. This project tries to get a better understanding of the function of secondary sexual behaviours (song and aggressive behaviour) in female starlings Sturnus vulgaris and will study their importance in intra-sexual rivalry and in mate choice by males. The endocrine and neurobiological basis of song behaviour in females will also be studied.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pinxten Annie

Research team(s)

• Behavioural Ecology & Ecophysiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Fellow: Zaprianova-Pavlova Denitza

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Several studies indicate that testosterone influences reproductive and social behaviour, the expression of secondary sexual traits and the immune system. The possible effects of testosterone will be investigated coherently by following a double strategy. First the relations with the natural testosterone levels will be described. Secondly the consequences of experimentally elevated testosterone concentrations will be studied.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Fellow: Van Duyse Els

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project we try to elucidate the endocrine basis for individual variation in mate reproductive behaviour, reproductive success and survival in the European sterling (Sturnus vulgaris), a facultatively polygynous passerine.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Fellow: De Ridder Elke

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Several studies indicate that testosterone influences reproductive and social behaviour, the expression of secondary sexual traits and the immune system. The possible effects of testosterone will be investigated coherently by following a double strategy. First the relations with the natural testosterone levels will be described. Secondly the consequences of experimentally elevated testosterone concentrations will be studied.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Fellow: Van Duyse Els

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project we try to elucidate the endocrine basis for individual variation in mate reproductive behaviour, reproductive success and survival in the European sterling (Sturnus vulgaris), a facultatively polygynous passerine.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Eens Marcel
• Co-promoter: Pinxten Annie
• Fellow: De Ridder Elke

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to investigate to which extent monogamous and polygynous males assist their female in incubating the eggs and feeding the nestlings. We will also collect data about the organisation and length of the prolonged parental care after fledging.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pinxten Annie

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this project is to study in detail the reproductive strategies (polygyny, mate guarding, extra-pair copulations) and copulation behaviour (sperm competition) in passerines.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verheyen Rudi
• Fellow: Pinxten Annie

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project