Quantitative Models of Mating Preference Evolution

柯克帕特里克9407969 本计画将探讨近亲物种间求偶表现及求偶偏好多样化的机制。 已知这些特征以非常高的速率多样化，因此代表了用于研究物种内和物种之间行为差异的因素的模型系统。 研究人员将使用数学模型来描述交配展示，交配偏好和其他与它们遗传相关的特征的遗传变化。 研究将集中在三个机制：（1）交配偏好的直接生存效应（“直接选择”假说），（2）增加生存和交配偏好的性状之间的遗传耦合（“好基因”假说），以及（3）配偶选择复制。 最近的实验数据表明，所有这三种机制的影响偏好和显示，但没有评估其相对重要性。 在这项研究计划中开发的数学模型将使用数据来产生这些机制的相对影响的第一个定量估计。 研究结果将有助于深入了解行为变异的原因和物种形成的过程。

Kirkpatrick 9407969 This project will investigate the mechanisms for the diversification of mating displays and mating preferences between closely related species. These traits are known to diversify at a very high rate and therefore represent a model system for studies of the factors responsible for behavioral differences both within and between the species. The investigators will use mathematical models that describe genetic change in mating displays, mating preferences, and other traits that are genetically coupled to them. Research will focus on three mechanisms: (1) direct survival effects of mating preferences (the "direct selection" hypothesis), (2) genetic coupling between traits that increase survival and mating preferences (the "good genes" hypothesis), and (3) mate choice copying. Recent experimental data show that all three mechanisms influence preferences and displays, but have not evaluated their relative importance. Mathematical models developed in this research program will use data to produce the first quantitative estimates of the relative impacts of these mechanisms. Results will produce insights into the causes of behavioral variation and the processes of speciation.