In this thesis I describe studies of life history traits under variation in nutrition focused on ageing. The predictive adaptive response is a type of plastic response which is advantageous later... Show moreIn this thesis I describe studies of life history traits under variation in nutrition focused on ageing. The predictive adaptive response is a type of plastic response which is advantageous later in life, rather than immediately. We tested with a resource allocation model whether for a relatively short-lived organism, Bicyclus anynana increasing allocation to dispersal capability would be advantageous as an adult, when the individual would be stressed as a larva. This was indeed the case. Using a similar model we tested whether increased lifespan under dietary restriction would be evolutionary conserved. This did not seem to be the case. Then we describe how traits and gene expression in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) was affected by sustained cycles of low and high food, compared to constant food controls. Furthermore we compare predictions from a model, in which the relationship between fecundity and lifespan changes with the age of the flies measured. Lastly we test whether genetic variation in genes described in model organisms under laboratory conditions can be correlated to phenotypic variation in life history traits under natural conditions of the least killifish (Heterandria formosa). Indeed this was the case Show less
This thesis investigates mechanisms of adaptation to climate, and in particular temperature, in the African butterfly Bicyclus anynana. The work takes an integrated approach and brings together... Show moreThis thesis investigates mechanisms of adaptation to climate, and in particular temperature, in the African butterfly Bicyclus anynana. The work takes an integrated approach and brings together studies at the phenotypic, physiological and genetic level. By examining geographical variation among wild populations, the thesis investigates how B. anynana is adapted to geographically varying thermal conditions. The first half of the thesis is focused on phenotypic plasticity, which is a major component of adaptation to climate in B. anynana. Chapter 2 compares the plasticity response to temperature of two populations, and reveals a population-specific response for wing pattern but very small to no differences in the response of life history traits. Chapter 3 shows that a discontinuous regulatory hormone signal during development underlies the seasonal plasticity in B. anynana. In the second half of the thesis, I take a molecular genetic approach by studying geographic patterns of neutral and adaptive evolution in wild populations. Chapter 4 indicates that the B. anynana species area expanded southwards after the last ice age from glacial equatorial habitat refugia. Chapter 5 identifies clinal variation in genes coding for metabolic enzymes, indicating a putative role of these genes in thermal adaptation. Show less
This work is a close look at the life histories of the top Turkish political leaders with the aim of analyzing changes in gender role and gender identity and tensions between the two in the history... Show moreThis work is a close look at the life histories of the top Turkish political leaders with the aim of analyzing changes in gender role and gender identity and tensions between the two in the history of Turkish modernization vis-à-vis with contemporaneous debates on gender. The main objective is to situate modernization in its theoretical as well as historical context through subjective and private meanings as related to modern coming out of the narratives of the wives. It was argued that Kemalist modernization though created a modern outlook for women framed and sometimes limited their experiences of modernization. As the wives experienced it, the tension reflected itself in the relationship between the gender role performance and the gender identity construction. Additionally, it was argued that, under the attacks of different ideological political currents, Kemalist gender regime has become highly marginalized and except its symbolic power lost much of its power to provide women with a gender identity. Show less
The general aim of the work described in this thesis is to help explain the variation in ageing by using the life history framework of B. anynana. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of the... Show moreThe general aim of the work described in this thesis is to help explain the variation in ageing by using the life history framework of B. anynana. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of the life history, together giving a complete picture of the origins of variation in ageing in this species. A central theme to every chapter is the relative influence of genes, the environment, and how they related to plasticity. A summarising discussion of all chapters, and a perspective on how the ideas in this thesis will contribute to ageing research in the future is also included. Show less
