Theoretical Studies of the Adaptive Evolution of Premating Isolation: Conspecific Gamete Precedence and Cultural Inheritance

生境退化和物种引进增加了物种间杂交的机会。当杂交成活率较差时，成对的物种有时会发展出配偶选择机制来阻止杂交。本研究使用数学模型来检验两种生物因素如何影响是否会发生配偶选择分歧。一些多次交配的动物不成比例地使用自己物种成员的精子，这种现象被称为同种配子优先；数学模型和计算机模拟将评估不同形式的同种配子优先是否可以防止配偶选择的分歧。许多动物在选择配偶时，除了遗传因素外，还有后天因素。研究的剩余部分将分析学习如何影响择偶分歧的可能性。这个项目的一部分将由本科生承担，作为北卡罗来纳大学PI正在开发的数学轨道的一部分。本课程的目标有两个，一是提高生物学专业学生的数学素养，二是提高女性对数学生物学的参与。学生们将把他们的发现发布在一个专为生物老师和学生开发的网站上。参与这项研究使学生能够进一步了解产生和维持生物多样性的过程。

Habitat degradation and species introductions are increasing the opportunity for hybridization between species. When hybrids have poor survival, pairs of species can sometimes develop mate choice mechanisms to prevent interbreeding. This research uses mathematical models to examine how two biological factors affect whether mate choice divergence will occur. Some animals that mate multiple times disproportionately use the sperm of members of their own species, a phenomenon called conspecific gamete precedence; mathematical models and computer simulations will assess whether different forms of conspecific gamete precedence can prevent divergence in mate choices. Many animals also have a learned, as well as genetic, component to mate choice. The remainder of the research will analyze how learning can affect the likelihood of mate choice divergence. Portions of this project will be undertaken by undergraduates as part of a mathematical track being developed by the PI at the University of North Carolina. The goals of this track are twofold, to increase the mathematical literacy of biology majors in general, and to increase the participation of women in mathematical biology. Students will distribute their findings on a website developed for use by biology teachers and students. Participating in this research enables the students to further our understanding of the processes that produce and maintain biological diversity.