Magyar változat Last update: 28.02.2007 János Török Behavioural Ecology Group Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology Eötvös Loránd University Current research interests A) Long term population dynamics Breeding density, reproductive success and local survival of hole nesting birds (Great and Blue Tits, Collared Flycatcher) have been monitored since 1982 in PILIS field station, near Budapest. Demography, heritability and repeatability of reproductive and morphological traits, spacing behaviour, natal and breeding site fidelity, survival, LRS are also studied. Clutch size optimization and cost of reproduction have also been studied for several years in Collared Flycatcher. B) Sexual selection in ecto- and endothermic vertebrates Amphibians Sperm competiton and assortative mating in toads and frogs. Time dependent fertilization in frog species. Lizards Male-male competion, female choice, sperm competition and assortetive mating are studied. Birds Mechanisms of sperm competition in Collared Flycatcher, Blue and Great Tits. Female choice, extra-pair paternity and brood sex ratio in Collared Flycatcher. Male-male and female-female aggression in Collared Flycatcher. Secondary sexual traits and sexual selection in birds. C) Pre- and postzygotal parental preferences Bioactive molecules (steroids, carotenoids, vitamins, immunoglobulins) in eggs of Collared Flycatcher, Great and Blue Tits. Proximate mechanisms and ultimate roles are studied. Pictures Pilis Field Station Data gathering in Pilis Field Station In action 7-egg clutch of collared flycatcher A great tit clutch Collared flycatcher fledglings Blackcap nestlings Blue tit in a blue bag Radio-tracking in Pilis Field Station (1) Radio-tracking in Pilis Field Station (2) A transmitter on collared flycatcher Wing patch of a subadult (yearling) collared flycatcher male Wing patch of an adult collared flycatcher male Anticopulator on a collared flycatcher male Taking blood samples Ranking the yolk colour of collared flycatcher eggs