DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Batesian mimicry: the evolution of deceptive coloration

在巴特西亚的模仿中，无害的动物类似于欺骗捕食者的危险动物。自然选择对于拟态很强，但我们不知道物种是怎么回事？对选择的反应是由它们可用于适应的遗传和生化机制或捕食者施加的选择如何受到其感觉系统影响而调节的。这个项目将在猩红王蛇(Lamproeltis Elapsodes)中探索这些问题，这种蛇不完全模仿致命的东部珊瑚蛇(Microrurus Fulvius)。这个项目的第一部分将研究模型和模拟用来产生欺骗性着色的化学物质，以及它们的捕食者如何感知这种欺骗性的着色。该项目的第二部分将探索通过表型可塑性(当相同的基因在不同的环境中产生不同的表型)来进化模仿的可能性。这个项目将帮助我们理解物种是如何从不同的基因产生适应的，为什么物种并不总是进化来完美地满足选择的要求，以及有机体之间的相互作用是如何由它们先前存在的特征塑造的。同时，该项目将通过为青年科学家提供亲身体验研究的机会，为他们提供教育宣传，并将通过积极招募代表性不足群体的成员，扩大接触科学的机会。

In Batesian mimicry, a harmless animal resembles a dangerous one to deceive its predators. Natural selection for mimicry is strong, but we do not know how species? responses to selection are mediated by the genetic and biochemical mechanisms available to them for adaptation, or how the selection imposed by predators is affected by their sensory systems. This project will explore these questions in the scarlet king snake (Lampropeltis elapsoides), which imperfectly mimics the deadly eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius). The first part of this project will examine the chemicals that models and mimics use to produce their deceptive coloration, and how this deceptive coloration is perceived by their predators. The second part of the project will explore the possibility that mimicry can evolve via phenotypic plasticity (when the same genes produce different phenotypes in different environments). This project will help us understand how species produce their adaptations from different genes, why species do not always evolve to fit the demands of selection perfectly, and how the interactions between organisms are shaped by their preexisting characteristics. At the same time, this project will provide educational outreach for young scientists by providing them with opportunities to experience research first-hand, and will broaden access to science by actively recruiting members of under-represented groups.