Integrating sexual selection and the allocation of sex in the zebra finch: back to the outback

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The Australian zebra finch has become the primary avian model species in evolutionary biology studies in Europe and North America as the focus of classic laboratory-based studies of sexual selection, and sex allocation. Surprisingly, these studies have focused on populations of birds maintained in an unnatural environment and in captivity for decades that have been through tens of generations of artificial selection, the effects of which are unknown - not a trivial issue for students of evolution. Using experimental manipulations I will study these high profile research areas in wild populations, focusing international attention on this internationally recognised Australian species and raising the profile of Australian research.