Dissertation Research: Phenotypic Integration of Adaptive Traits in Junco Hyemalis

论文研究： Junco Hyemalis 适应性特征的表型整合

• 批准号: 0508692
• 负责人: Ellen Ketterson
• 金额: $ 1.18万
• 依托单位: Indiana University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2005
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2005-06-15 至 2007-05-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0508692&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Dissertation; Research; Phenotypic; Integration; Adaptive

Males of many species use multiple ornamental traits and behaviors to compete for and attract mates. If these interact to determine mating success, selection may lead to the evolution of genetically integrated suites of sexual traits and behaviors, known as mating phenotypes. Because hormones can coordinate the expression of suites of traits, they may play a central role in stabilizing these mating phenotypes. This study examines the evolution of the mating phenotype in a common songbird, the dark-eyed junco. Correlations will be measured between morphology used in acquiring mates (size and plumage), the sexual hormone testosterone, and the sexual behaviors mediated by testosterone. The role of current selection in maintaining these correlations will be quantified by associating trait combinations with genetic measurements of mating success. Experiments will examine whether testosterone acts to stabilize the mating phenotype by direct developmental effects on morphology. This research should lead to a greater understanding of the evolution of groups of functionally related traits and may suggest important roles for hormones in maintaining integration. All work will involve the extensive participation of undergraduates, both as research assistants and collaborators. Undergraduates will be encouraged to develop their own independent projects related to this work.

许多物种的雄性使用多种装饰性特征和行为来竞争和吸引配偶。如果这些相互作用决定了交配的成功，那么选择可能会导致性特征和行为的遗传整合套件的进化，即交配表型。由于激素可以协调一系列性状的表达，它们可能在稳定这些交配表型中发挥核心作用。这项研究考察了一种常见的鸣禽——黑眼junco交配表型的进化。将测量获得配偶时使用的形态（大小和羽毛）、性激素睾酮和由睾酮介导的性行为之间的相关性。当前选择在维持这些相关性中的作用将通过将性状组合与交配成功的遗传测量相关联来量化。实验将检验睾酮是否通过对形态的直接发育影响来稳定交配表型。这项研究将有助于更好地理解功能相关性状群体的进化，并可能提示激素在维持整合方面的重要作用。所有的工作都需要本科生的广泛参与，无论是作为研究助理还是合作者。我们将鼓励本科生开发与这项工作相关的独立项目。