Endocrine and Immune System Effects on Morphology and Behavior

本研究项目探讨激素和免疫反应在产生生殖展示行为和特殊形态（如公鸡的鲜红色鸡冠）中的相互作用。睾丸激素抑制许多动物的免疫反应，Zuk博士将研究这种重要激素水平的自然和人工变化是如何影响免疫系统的。在用寄生虫病挑战雄性动物后，将在性特征发育程度及其对雌性的影响的背景下监测它们的免疫反应。这项研究对生殖行为进化的研究具有启示意义，因为它可能揭示出这种进化的新机制。

This research project explores the interaction of hormones and the immune response in producing reproductive display behaviors and specialized morphology such as the rooster's bright red comb. Testosterone suppresses the immune response in many kinds of animals, and Dr. Zuk will examine how the immune system is affected by both natural and artificially-induced changes in the levels of this important hormone. After challenging male animals with a parasitic disease, their immune response will be monitored in the context of the degree of development of sexual characteristics and their effect on females. The research has implications for the study of the evolution of reproductive behavior because it may bring to light a new mechanism for that evolution.