In studies of population ecology, demography and life history evolution, among-individual
differences in traits associated with survival and reproduction are often attributed to variation …

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 915–935 Abstract Fitness costs of reproduction play a key role in
understanding the evolution of reproductive tactics. Nevertheless, the detection and the …

Physiological Adaptations for Breeding in Birds is the most current and comprehensive
account of research on avian reproduction. It develops two unique themes: the consideration …

Background The vertebrate gut microbiome (GM) can vary substantially across individuals
within the same natural population. Although there is evidence linking the GM to health in …

How can the stunning diversity of social systems and behaviours seen in nature be
explained? Drawing on social evolution theory, experimental evidence and studies …

Deterioration of reproductive traits with age is observed in an increasing number of species.
Although such deterioration is often attributed to reproductive senescence, a within …

Telomere length is associated with cellular senescence, lifestyle and ageing. Short
telomeres indicate poor health in humans and reduced life expectancy in several bird …

1. Reactive oxygen species, produced as a by-product of normal metabolism, can cause
intracellular damage and negatively impact on cell function. Such oxidative damage has …

Reproduction, a basic property of biological life, entails costs for an organism, ultimately
detectable as reduction in survival prospects. Telomeres are an excellent candidate …

Variation between and within individuals in life history traits is ubiquitous in natural
populations. When affecting fitness‐related traits such as survival or reproduction, individual …