Jorge Garrido-Bautista

My research is framed within evolutionary ecology, with a particular focus on the evolution of life-history traits, ecophysiology, and the ecology of host–parasite interactions. During my PhD, I investigated how fine-scale environmental heterogeneity can shape the spatial distribution of parasites and promote adaptive divergence in life-history traits, using the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) as a model species.

In addition, I worked on begging signalling in altricial birds and on ecophysiology, using a range of physiological markers such as immune function, oxidative stress, and telomere dynamics.

Subsequently, during my first postdoctoral position, I further developed my research on parasites, focusing on their eco-evolutionary implications. I have worked across a wide range of model systems, including nest-dwelling ectoparasites–birds, protozoa–birds, ectoparasites–reptiles, endoparasites–amphibians, and ectoparasites–parasitoids–symbiotic bacteria. This work led me to coordinate a special issue on ectoparasitism in the scientific journal Ecosistemas.

Currently, my research at IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM) focuses on ecophysiology, studying carotenoid-based coloration as a signal of individual quality, and on behavioural ecology, analysing the functions of behaviours such as the incorporation of fresh (and aromatic) plant material into bird nests.

My research is framed within evolutionary ecology, with a particular focus on the evolution of life-history traits, ecophysiology, and the ecology of host–parasite interactions. During my PhD, I investigated how fine-scale environmental heterogeneity can shape the spatial distribution of parasites and promote adaptive divergence in life-history traits, using the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) as a model species.

In addition, I worked on begging signalling in altricial birds and on ecophysiology, using a range of physiological markers such as immune function, oxidative stress, and telomere dynamics.

Subsequently, during my first postdoctoral position, I further developed my research on parasites, focusing on their eco-evolutionary implications. I have worked across a wide range of model systems, including nest-dwelling ectoparasites–birds, protozoa–birds, ectoparasites–reptiles, endoparasites–amphibians, and ectoparasites–parasitoids–symbiotic bacteria. This work led me to coordinate a special issue on ectoparasitism in the scientific journal Ecosistemas.

Currently, my research at IREC focuses on ecophysiology, studying carotenoid-based coloration as a signal of individual quality, and on behavioural ecology, analysing the functions of behaviours such as the incorporation of fresh (and aromatic) plant material into bird nests.