Dispersal affects evolutionary processes by changing population sizes and their genetic composition, influencing the viability and persistence of populations. Investigating which mechanisms underlie variation in dispersal phenotypes and whether populations harbor adaptive potential for dispersal is crucial to understanding the eco-evolutionary dynamics of this important trait. Here, we investigate the genetic architecture of dispersal in an insular metapopulation of house sparrows. We use an extensive long-term individual-based ecological dataset and high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes for over 2500 individuals. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS), finding a relationship between dispersal probability and a SNP located near genes known to regulate circadian rhythmic, glycogenesis and exercise performance, among other functions. However, this SNP only explained 3.8% of variance, suggesting that dispersal is a polygenic trait. We then used an animal model to estimate heritable genetic variation (Va), which composes 10% of the total overall variation in dispersal probability. Finally, we investigated differences in Va across populations occupying ecologically relevant habitat types (farm vs. non-farm) using a genetic-groups animal model. We found higher mean breeding value, Va, and heritability for the farm habitat, suggesting different adaptive potentials across habitats. Moreover, dispersal phenotypes may depend on genotype-by-environment interactions. Our results suggest a complex genetic architecture of dispersal, and demonstrate that adaptive potential may be environment-dependent in key eco-evolutionary traits. The eco-evolutionary implications of such environment-dependence and consequent spatial variation are likely to be ever more important with the increased fragmentation and loss of suitable habitats for many natural populations.

Generation time determines the pace of key demographic and evolutionary processes. Quantified as the weighted mean age at reproduction, it can be studied as a trait that varies within and among populations and may evolve in response to ecological conditions. We combined quantitative genetic analyses with age- and density-dependent models to study generation time variation in a bird metapopulation. Generation time was heritable, and males had longer generation times compared with females. Individuals with longer generation times had a higher lifetime reproductive success but not a higher expected population growth rate. Density regulation acted on recruit production, suggesting that longer generation times should be favored when populations are closer to carrying capacity. Furthermore, generation times were shorter when populations were growing, and longer when populations were closer to equilibrium or declining. These results support classic theory predicting that density regulation is an important driver of the pace of life-history strategies.

Generation time determines the pace of key demographic and evolutionary processes. Quantified as the weighted mean age at reproduction, it can be studied as a trait that may evolve and change in response to ecological conditions. We combined quantitative genetic analyses of individual projection matrices with age- and density-dependent models to study generation time variation in a bird metapopulation. We found that males have longer generation times than females and that it is a heritable trait. Individuals with longer generation times contributed to population growth later in life, lived longer, produced fewer recruits per year, had greater lifetime reproductive success, but not necessarily a higher expected individual growth rate. As predicted by density-dependence theory, generation times were shorter when populations were growing, and longer when populations were closer to equilibrium or declining. These results support classic theory predicting that competitive regimes are key determinants of the pace of life-history strategies.