Workshop on the integrative biology of rodent mating systems on 8/15/05-8/16/05 in Arlington, VA.

复杂表型的出现和多样化是比较生物学的核心问题，可以合理地说，它早于达尔文。当代生物学中最令人兴奋的途径之一是机械和进化方法的综合，将进化理论和实地研究与复杂特征背后的详细过程知识相结合。这种方法在理解身体计划的多样性方面取得了巨大的成功，并准备在动物行为领域做出类似的贡献。啮齿动物交配系统的进化是一个特别富有成效的途径，综合的最终和最近的因素的复杂行为表型的出现的贡献。因此，建议举办一个研讨会，以评估啮齿动物交配系统的研究现状，并概述催化相关领域的综合战略。该研讨会将汇集15名研究人员的学科，以及性别，少数民族地位和专业阶段的多元化。研讨会的具体目标是：（1）总结啮齿动物交配系统的生态学、行为和神经生物学方面的现有知识;（2）检查学科内的技术和概念障碍;（3）检查有效完成综合所需的经验数据和社会基础设施;以及（4）在针对不同受众的两份出版物中传播研讨会。 通过设计，研讨会既广泛又具体，包括初级研究人员（博士后助理和助理教授），它将分享科学家在各自学科中不那么根深蒂固的专业知识，并将促进他们参与合作研究。该领域的许多主要研究人员都是妇女，这反映在与会者的性别组成上（15名受邀者中有8名），一名妇女是少数。扩大参与还意味着将小型学校受人尊敬的研究人员包括在内。由此产生的受邀者群体在各个方面都是多样化的，除了卓越的研究，所有参与者都有可靠的记录。该研讨会承诺不仅要批判性地评估行为的综合研究，但包括在这种努力的发展和沟通领先的教师/学者。

The emergence and diversification of complex phenotypes is a problem so central to comparative biology that it can reasonably be said to predate Darwin. One of the most exciting avenues in contemporary biology is the synthesis of mechanistic and evolutionary approaches, the integration of evolutionary theory and field study with knowledge of the detailed processes that underlie complex traits. This approach has been tremendously successful in understanding the diversification of body plans, and is poised to make comparable contributions in the realm of animal behavior. The evolution of rodent mating systems is a particularly fruitful avenue for synthesizing the contributions of ultimate and proximate factors to the emergence of complex behavioral phenotypes. Thus, a workshop is proposed to assess the status of research in rodent mating systems, and to outline a strategy for catalyzing a synthesis of the relevant fields. The workshop will bring together a diverse array of 15 researchers by discipline, as well as by gender, minority status, and professional stage. The specific aims of the workshop are to: (1) summarize existing knowledge in ecology, behavior, and neurobiology of rodent mating systems; (2) examine the technical and conceptual hurdles within disciplines; (3) examine the empirical data and social infrastructure needed to effectively accomplish a synthesis; and (4) disseminate the workshop in two publications directed at diverse audiences. By design, the workshop is both broad and concrete, with the inclusion of junior researchers postdoctoral associates and assistant professors), it will share expertise from scientists less entrenched in their respective disciplines, and will also foster their involvement in collaborative research. Many leading researchers in the field are women reflected in the gender composition of the participants (8 of 15 invitees), and one woman is a minority. Broadening participation also means the inclusion of respected researchers who are at small schools. The resulting group of invitees is diverse in every dimension except research excellence, all participants have solid records. The workshop promises not only to critically assess the integrative study of behavior, but includes leading teacher/scholars in the development and communication of such efforts.