DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Examining Genetic Similarity, Mating Behavior and Fitness Consequences in a Simultaneous Hermaphrodite

论文研究：检查遗传相似性，交配行为和适应性的结果在一个同时雌雄同体。遗传相似性可能在配偶选择和繁殖成功中都起着重要作用，但很少有研究将这些相互关联的领域结合起来。物理蜗牛是同时存在的雌雄同体，既能自交又能异交，因此是解决遗传相似性在交配行为、配偶选择和生殖适应性中的作用等问题的一个很好的系统。本研究包括一系列整合这些问题的实验。它还将考虑可能影响遗传相似性、行为和适应性之间相互作用的其他因素。这项研究将由三个实验部分组成。第一部分测试遗传相似性对配对蜗牛交配行为的影响，以及遗传相似性对生殖产出和后代孵化率的影响。这些生殖后果也将对自交受精个体进行研究。研究的第二部分测试了潜在伴侣的基因相似性是否会影响三人一组的择偶决定。在研究的第一部分中观察到的行为和繁殖后果将用于对这些相互作用中的交配频率进行先验预测。第三部分测试了其他因素（捕食风险、食物可得性、温度状态和生殖状态）是否会影响具有不同遗传相似性的成对蜗牛的交配相互作用和生殖适合度。

DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Examining genetic similarity, mating behavior and fitness consequences in a simultaneous hermaphroditeDr. Andrew SihThomas M. McCarthyGenetic similarity may play an important role in both mate choice and reproductive success, but few studies integrate these inter-related fields. Physid snails are simultaneous hermaphrodites that can both self-fertilize and outcross, and are thus an excellent system for addressing questions about the role of genetic similarity in mating behavior, mate choice and reproductive fitness. This study includes a series of experiments that integrates these issues. It will also consider additional factors that may affect the interplay between genetic similarity, behavior and fitness.The study will be comprised of three experimental sections. The first section tests for any effects of genetic similarity on mating behavior in paired snails, and for effects of genetic similarity on reproductive output and offspring hatching rate. These reproductive consequences will also be examined for self-fertilizing individuals. The second section of the study tests whether the genetic similarity of potential mates affects mate-choice decisions in groups of three individuals. The behaviors and reproductive consequences observed in the first section of the study will be used to make a priori predictions about mating frequencies during these interactions. The third section tests whether additional factors (predation risk, food availability, temperature regime and reproductive status) affect mating interactions and measures of reproductive fitness within pairs of snails with varying levels of genetic similarity.