Heterogeneous selection on a heritable temperament trait in a variable environment.

摘要: 1. Temperament traits increasingly provide a focus for investigating the evolutionary ecology of behavioural variation. Here, we examine underlying causes and selective consequences individual variation in temperament trait 'exploration behaviour novel environment' (EB, based on an 8-min assay) free-ranging population passerine bird, great tit Parus major. 2. First, conducted quantitative genetic analysis EB using restricted maximum likelihood-based animal model with long-term pedigree. Although repeatability was relatively high, only moderately heritable permanent environment (V(PE)) effects contributed as much to phenotypic variance additive effects. 3. We then asked whether heterogeneous selection acted at various temporal spatial scales. Using estimates lifetime reproductive success, found evidence weak negative directional acting amongst females which driven by through recruitment, but not fecundity, one four breeding years. There no any survival. 4. Heterogeneous within seasons also observed males fecundity along two fine-scale environmental gradients--local density habitat quality; are unaware previous equivalent demonstrations. 5. All these analyses were repeated second measure exploration (EB(2), measured during 2-min facilitate comparison other studies. EB(2) strongly correlated another level, level V(PE) undetected EB(2). Selection similar that EB; conclude both broadly from perspective. 6. Our suggest extent behaviour' is subject natural this population, highly context dependent most evident gradients. Furthermore, strong effect detected suggests understanding will require studies firmly embedded context.