Abstract

Quantitative genetic studies in natural populations have been rare because they require large breeding programmes or known pedigrees. The relatedness that has been estimated from molecular markers can now be used to substitute for breeding, allowing studies of previously inaccessible species. Many behavioural ecologists have a sufficient number of markers and study species with characteristics that are amenable to this approach. It is now time to combine studies of selection with studies of genetic variation for a more complete understanding of behavioural evolution.

Author affiliations

1. Allen J. Moore is at the School of Biological Sciences, 3.614 Stopford Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK, and the Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia.
   Email: allen.j.mooreman.ac.uk
2. Penelope F. Kukuk is at the Division of Biological Science, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 598126, USA, and the Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia.