Quantitative Models of Mating Preference Evolution

该项目将研究密切相关物种之间交配表现和交配偏好多样化的机制。众所周知，这些特征以非常高的速度多样化，因此代表了研究物种内部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表现、交配偏好和其他与之相关的遗传特征的遗传变化。研究将集中在三个机制上：(1)交配偏好的直接生存效应（“直接选择”假说），(2)提高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，这三种机制都影响偏好和表现，但没有评估它们的相对重要性。在这个研究项目中开发的数学模型将使用数据对这些机制的相对影响进行第一次定量估计。结果将产生洞察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.