Inter-generational ageing in house sparrows

Double degree PhD project (co-supervised by Simon Griffith & Julia Schroeder)

Reproducing at old age has fitness disadvantages in progeny, this inter-generational ageing effect is critical for the evolution of late reproduction and longevity. However, the mechanism(s) underlying this effect remain unknown. Yuheng will use a wild, insular house sparrow population to tackle this question. In particular, she will focus on telomere lengths and early-life environmental conditions and their relationship with the inter-generational ageing effect.