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- 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.