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Michael J. Roast Final PhD Thesis.pdf (5.98 MB)

Individual Variation in Immune Function in the Purple-crowned Fairy-wren (Malurus coronatus)

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thesis
posted on 2020-02-12, 02:43 authored by MICHAEL JAMES ROAST
Immune function is essential for survival. However, individuals vary greatly in their immune function. This thesis examines the possible drivers of variation in immunity and the potential consequences for fitness and survival in wild purple-crowned fairy-wrens. By using a long-studied population, detailed information about life histories can be matched to the immune status of individuals. I focus on variation in baseline immune defences, and how it relates to environmental and intrinsic factors. I assess how this affects the reproductive fitness and survival of these individuals. I find evidence that immune flexibility in individuals could be key to maximising fitness.

History

Campus location

Australia

Principal supervisor

Anne Peters

Additional supervisor 1

Matthew Hall

Year of Award

2020

Department, School or Centre

Biological Sciences

Course

Doctor of Philosophy

Degree Type

DOCTORATE

Faculty

Faculty of Science

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