Dissertation Research: Sensory Drive for Multi-Modal Communication

Endler 9700763这项拟议的研究解决了利用分裂属狼蛛进行动物交流和信号设计的几个关键问题。基于雄性狼蛛在求偶过程中进化出了用作信号的形态和行为特征的有力证据，我们将进行一系列实验，以检验形成信号设计的两个关键因素：(1)对信号的预先存在的偏好(2)环境限制。这项研究还考察了基于运动的视觉展示在女性偏好和信号效能方面的重要性。为了测试先前存在的信号偏好的影响，将使用DNA序列数据来确定裂口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过程中出现的顺序。如果雄性在求偶过程中使用的信号进化为限制雌性先前存在的偏好，那么雌性偏好将先于树上的雄性特征。此外，如果环境在塑造信号设计中发挥作用，则可以预测显示特征和栖息地特征之间的相关性，这种相关性与系统发育历史无关。最后，通过向女性呈现追求男性的三维动画，这项研究测试了特定的行为特征如何影响女性的配偶偏好。

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.