Ben C. Sheldon

Strength of developmental carry-over varies continuously with environmental conditions in a wild bird population

The paper shows that the strength of developmental carry-over from natal to adult body mass in great tits varies with environmental conditions, driven by non-genetic factors rather than gene-by-environment interactions.

Wild great tits show social resilience in response to partner loss

This study shows that wild great tits exhibit social resilience by quickly recovering from the loss of their breeding partner through social flexibility.

Carry-over effects and plasticity to temperature shape phenology across life stages and generations

The paper quantifies direct and carry-over thermal plasticity effects on phenology across life stages of winter moths, showing carry-over effects propagate plastic responses but are partially buffered by compensatory changes.

A record-breaking heatwave reduces breeding success and impairs growth in a wild bird population

This study examines the impact of an extreme heatwave on breeding success and growth in great and blue tits, finding reduced breeding success and nestling body mass.

Local density shapes complete brood failure across species boundaries in two sympatric songbirds

The paper examines how local density and ecological factors influence complete brood failure in two sympatric songbirds, finding species-specific density dependence patterns.

Optimal thermal niche-tracking buffers wild great tits against climate change

This study shows that great tits adjust their breeding timing to track specific temperatures, enhancing reproductive success in response to climate change.

Vertical Variation of the Caterpillar Community in Oak (Quercus robur) Canopies

The paper quantifies vertical variation in oak canopy caterpillar communities across three years, finding no consistent stratification but strong inter-annual and tree-level variation.

Carryover effects modulate spring phenological responses to temperature in a herbivorous insect

This study shows temperature effects from previous life stages influence spring phenology in winter moths, with carryover effects impacting offspring hatching timing.

Developmental stage-specific responses to extreme climatic events and environmental variability in great tit nestlings

This study shows that great tit nestlings experience different impacts from extreme climate events depending on their developmental stage, with cold events early on and rain events later having the strongest effects.

Fine-scale spatio-temporal variation in natural selection on reproductive traits across two wild bird species

Not-so-great tit: early-life environment drives long-term decrease in adult body mass in a wild bird population

The paper analyzes long-term changes in body mass of great tits, finding that early-life environmental factors drive decreases in adult and nestling mass over 47 years.

The genetic consequences of dispersal and immigration in a wild great tit population

The paper examines dispersal and immigration effects on genetic structure in a great tit population, finding high gene flow and complex spatial genetic patterns despite low FST.

Integrative analysis of fine-scale local adaptation of winter moths to variable oak phenology

This study investigates local adaptation of winter moths to oak phenology through experiments and genomic analysis, finding no genetic structure or significant survival differences in translocated individuals.

Density-dependent network structuring within and across wild animal systems

The paper shows density increases network connectedness in wild animal populations, but effects saturate, with stronger spatial than social impacts.

Quantifying phenology in the deciduous tree and phytophagous insect system: a methodological comparison

This study compares methods for measuring phenology in deciduous trees and phytophagous insects, showing how methodological choices affect understanding of trophic interactions at fine spatial scales.

Timing and social dynamics of divorce in wild great tits: a phenomenological approach

This study examines social dynamics and timing of divorce in wild great tits, finding distinct social association patterns in divorcing pairs during the non-breeding season.

Genetic diversity and population structure of pedunculate oaks (Quercus robur) in Wytham Woods

This study examines genetic diversity and population structure of pedunculate oaks in Wytham Woods, finding weak population structure and some inbreeding in young plantations.

Continent-wide drivers of spatial synchrony in age structure across wild great tit populations

The paper quantifies spatial synchrony in great tit age structure across 32 populations and identifies drivers like clutch size, temperature, and beech crops, showing synchrony maintained up to 650km.

Genetic, natal, and spatial drivers of social phenotypes in wild great tits

This study identifies genetic, natal, and spatial factors influencing social behaviors in wild great tits, finding small genetic effects and significant non-genetic influences.

Experimental manipulation of nocturnal nest cavity temperature in wild blue tits

This study tests if in-nest temperature affects breeding phenology in wild blue tits by manipulating temperatures in nest boxes, but finds no statistically significant results.