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Research by Esa Koskela

Here I list my active research topics and the projects I am involved (SORRY this would really need updating!)

- Sexual conflict, sexually antagonistic genes and the maintenance of genetic variation
In this project, funded for the years 2007-2012 by the Academy of Finland, we aim to examine the presence, and mechanisms behind, sexually antagonistic genes and sexual conflict. Using divergent selection lines for male mating success we will investigate the presence of sexually antagonistic alleles in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). The research team consists of Dr Suzanne C Mills (Université de Perpignan, France), MSc Mikael Mokkonen and Dr Tapio Mappes (University of Jyväskylä).

- The prevalence of Puumala virus and its effects on reproductive success in natural and experimental bank vole populations
The project aims to examine the interaction between zoonotic rodent-borne Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) and its carrier, the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) using both field and laboratory studies. Collaborators: Prof Michael Begon (University of Liverpool), Prof Heikki Henttonen (METLA), Prof Olli Vapalahti (University of Helsinki, Haartman Institute), Dr Eva Kallio. See Dr Eva Kallio's PhD thesis "Experimental ecology on the interaction between the Puumala hantavirus and its host, the bank vole".

- Genetic basis of listory traits in mammals: a quantitative genetic and QTL-based approach
We use large laboratory colony and selection lines for litter size in the bank vole to study the genetic architecture behind central life history traits in small mammals. Collaborators: Dr Jouni Aspi (University of Oulu), Dr Tapio Mappes, Dr Tuula A Oksanen, Dr Minna Koivula (MTT, Animal Production Research), post graduate students Eero Schroderus and Anna-Kaisa Rikalainen.

- Sex ratio variation in mammals: adaptive adjustment or non-adaptive deviation
This project, funded by the Academy of Finland for the years 2001-2005, continues to examine sex allocation decisions in small mammals. Collaboration Dr Joanna Rutkowska (Jagiellonian University, Poland), Prof Erkki Korpimäki (University of Turku)and Dr Otso Huitu (METLA).

- Genetic variability and reproductive success of voles in mainland and island populations
Using regular live-trapping data we study the population genetics of free-living island and mainland bank vole populations in central Finland. With detailed laboratory and field experiments we focus on the effects of genetic diversity on reproductive success and survival of individuals and populations. Collaboration: Dr Tapio Mappes, Dr Alessandro Grapputo (University of Padova), Dr Harri Hakkarainen (University of Turku) Dr Esa Huhta (METLA).

- Evolutionary determinants of energetic traits in mammals
We aim to study natural variation in energetic traits and the mechanisms responsible for their maintenance, particularly the association between metabolic rate and fitness components and the direction of natural selection. The ultimate goal of the project is to test hypotheses concerning correlated evolution of life histories and energy budgets of animals (i.e. evolution of endothermy). Collaboration: Dr Pawel Koteja (Jagiellonian University), Dr Zbyszek Boratynski, Dr Tapio Mappes.

  

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