Evolution and Genetics of Social Behaviour

Our main focus is the integration of behavioural, ecological, genetic and genomic studies to understand the evolution of social behaviour. We add PCR, qPCR, next generation sequencing, quantitative genetics, and modelling to behavioural studies in the field and laboratory. Wild house mice are the principal study organism.

Head of group: Prof. Dr. Anna Lindholm

Research themes

• Cooperation among females for joint maternal care of offspring (communal nursing); Fitness, heritability and indirect genetic effects associated with cooperation
• Reproductive strategies
• Influence of a selfish genetic element, the t-haplotype, on sexual selection; Gene expression and sequencing of the t-haplotype
• Influence of karyotype on house mouse mate choice; In eastern Switzerland, populations of house mice differ in chromosome number and may be reproductively isolated.

Meiotic Drive in House Mice

Studying the impact of a fascinating male meiotic driver called t haplotype on populations of wild house mice. Link