Single-generation fitness proxies as predictors of long-term genetic contributions in a cooperatively breeding bird

Description

Single-generation fitness proxies are often used to estimate individual fitness. How well these proxies predict long-term genetic contributions to future populations, however, is poorly understood. Here, we use the long-term Seychelles warbler dataset to consider how the acquisition of a dominant breeding position, age at first breeding attempt, length of dominant breeding tenure, lifespan, and lifetime reproductive success predict individual genetic contributions to a population ~3 generations in the future, as well as the likelihood of lineage extinction. We found that the acquisition of a dominant breeding position and age at first breeding attempt had no effect on individual genetic contributions, or the likelihood of lineage extinction. The length of dominant breeding tenure had a positive effect on the individual genetic contributions of males, but not females. Longer lifespans and a higher lifetime reproductive success were positively associated with individual genetic contributions and a reduced likel ihood of lineage extinction in both sexes. Lifetime reproductive success explained more of the variance in individual genetic contributions than any single-generation fitness metric. Future studies should carefully consider the relationship between life-history metrics and reproductive success, as the relationship between life-history measures and individual genetic contribution is likely contingent upon the relationship between life-history and reproductive success.

Periode	23-apr.-2024
Evenementstitel	Netherlands Society for Evolutionary Biology Meeting 2024
Evenementstype	Conference
Organisator	Dutch Society for Evolutionary Biology (NLSEB)
Sponsor	Dutch Research Council (NWO)
Locatie	Ede, NetherlandsToon op kaart
Mate van erkenning	International