Dissertation Research: Sensory Drive for Multi-Modal Communication

Endler 9700763拟议的研究解决了动物交流和信号设计中的几个关键问题，使用裂殖蛛属的狼蛛。基于雄性狼蛛已经进化出在求偶过程中用作信号的形态和行为特征的强有力证据，将进行一系列实验来研究塑造信号设计的两个关键因素：（1）预先存在的信号偏好（2）环境约束。本研究还探讨了基于运动的视觉显示在女性偏好和信号效能的重要性。为了测试预先存在的信号偏好的影响，将使用DNA序列数据来确定裂殖蛛属蜘蛛之间的系统发育关系。通过将形态和行为特征（分别为雄性信号和雌性偏好）叠加到系统发育树上，可以确定它们在进化中出现的顺序。如果雄性在求偶过程中使用的信号进化成刺激雌性先前存在的偏好，那么在树上，雌性的偏好将先于雄性的特征。此外，显示和栖息地特征之间的相关性，独立的系统发育史，预测，如果环境中起着塑造信号设计的作用。最后，通过向雌性展示求偶雄性的三维动画，本研究测试了特定的行为特征如何影响雌性的择偶偏好。

Endler 9700763 The proposed research addresses several key issues in animal communication and signal design using wolf spiders of the genus Schizocosa. Building on strong evidence that male wolf spiders have evolved morphological and behavioral traits used as signals during courtship, a series of experiments will be conducted to examine 2 key factors in shaping signal design: (1) preexisting preferences for signals (2) environmental constraints. This study also examines the importance of a motion-based visual display in female preferences and signal efficacy. To test the influence of preexisting preference for signals, the phylogenetic relationships among Schizocosa spiders will be determined using DNA sequence data. By overlaying morphological and behavioral traits (male signals and female preferences respectively) onto the phylogenetic tree, it is possible to determine the order in which they appeared evolutionarily. If signals used by males during courtship evolved to qtimulate preexisting preference in females, the female preference will precede the male trait on the tree. In addition, a correlation between display and habitat characteristics, independent of phylogenetic history, is predicted if the environment plays a role in shaping signal design. Finally, be presenting females with 3-dimensional animations of courting males, this research tests how specific behavioral traits may influence female mate preferences.