C. K. Cornwallis

Reproductive and ecological adaptations to climate underpin the evolution of sociality in lizards

The paper investigates the role of climate and habitat in the evolution of social grouping in lizards, finding that sociality is linked to cool, dry climates through indirect ecological adaptations.

Heritable variation in thermoregulation is associated with reproductive success in the world's largest bird

This study shows that heritable thermoregulatory capacity in ostriches is linked to reproductive success under hot conditions and is shaped by local climate adaptation.

Experimental evidence that animal societies vary in size due to sex differences in cooperation

The paper experiments with ostrich groups to show sex differences in cooperation explain variation in group size.

Evolutionary trade-offs between heat and cold tolerance limit responses to fluctuating climates

The paper identifies a negative genetic correlation between heat and cold tolerance in ostriches, limiting their ability to adapt to fluctuating climates.

Living with relatives offsets the harm caused by pathogens in natural populations

The paper shows that living with relatives can reduce mortality from pathogens in species that typically live with kin, but increases mortality when pathogens are common.

Maternal behavioural thermoregulation facilitated evolutionary transitions from egg laying to live birth

The paper shows maternal thermoregulation in egg-laying lizards and snakes helps resolve thermal mismatches between mothers and embryos, likely facilitating transitions to live birth.

Early-life gut dysbiosis linked to mass mortality in ostriches

The paper links early-life gut dysbiosis in ostriches to mass mortality by showing distinct microbial composition in deceased individuals compared to controls and the early presence of pathobionts.

The development of gut microbiota in ostriches and its association with juvenile growth

This study examines gut microbiota development in juvenile ostriches and links microbial changes to growth patterns during their first three months of life.

Direct PCR offers a fast and reliable alternative to conventional DNA isolation methods for animal gut microbiomes

This study compares direct PCR and DNA extraction methods for 16S rRNA sequencing of gut microbiomes in ostriches, finding direct PCR reliable for some samples but less so for others.

Measuring the gut microbiome in birds: comparison of faecal and cloacal sampling

This study compares faecal and cloacal sampling methods for measuring gut microbiomes in birds, finding faeces better represent the colon microbiome but both are poor for ileum and caecum.

The Transcriptome of the Avian Malaria Parasite Plasmodium ashfordi Displays Host-Specific Gene Expression

This study characterizes the transcriptome of the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium ashfordi and shows host-specific gene expression patterns across different hosts.