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Epigenetic Potential and Dispersal Propensity in a Free-Living Songbird: A Spatial and Temporal Approach
Blanca Jimeno1,2, Marianthi Tangili3, Julio C Domínguez1
1Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología, IPE-CSIC, Jaca, Spain.
Molecular Ecology
|October 22, 2025
Summary
Epigenetic potential (EP), the capacity for epigenetic modification, influences natal dispersal in Pied flycatchers. Higher EP is linked to increased dispersal propensity, especially in females and later generations, highlighting its role in adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Ecology
- Genetics
Background:
- Natal dispersal is crucial for population dynamics, genetic structure, and species distribution.
- The mechanisms underlying natal dispersal and successful establishment in new environments are not fully understood.
- Phenotypic plasticity, potentially mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, may facilitate adaptation to new habitats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Epigenetic potential (EP) and natal dispersal propensity in Pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca).
- To quantify EP as the number of genome-wide CpG variants.
- To examine EP's role in dispersal across different spatial and generational contexts.
Main Methods:
- A long-term study of Pied flycatchers monitored over 35 years since habitat colonization.
- Comparison of EP between individuals dispersing within and between habitat patches.
- Comparison of EP between immigrants and locally born individuals.
- Comparison of EP between first-generation and later-generation individuals.
Main Results:
- A significant positive association was found between EP and dispersal propensity in females dispersing between habitat patches and in later generations compared to first-generation individuals.
- No significant association was observed between EP and dispersal propensity for immigrants versus locally born individuals.
- CpG variants exhibited non-random genomic distribution, with higher frequencies in promoters and exons.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic potential plays a role in natal dispersal propensity across spatial and temporal scales in Pied flycatchers.
- Epigenetically driven phenotypic plasticity may facilitate dispersal and adaptation to novel environments in wild birds.
- EP could be a key determinant for successful settlement in new areas.
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