The Functions and Evolutionary Ecology of Inter-Male Aggression in Drosophila melanogaster

在本博士课程中，我将探讨黑腹果蝇雄性间攻击的功能和进化生态学。攻击性神经生物学的最新进展意味着有可能从基因上改变黑腹龙雄性间的攻击性水平。使用这个令人兴奋的新系统，我将研究如何在各种环境和社会背景下定义和维持男性攻击的最佳平衡水平。我的研究将涵盖三个主要领域：1。我将调查男性之间的攻击程度是否取决于男性的营养状况。这也将使我能够检验一个很大程度上被忽视的假设，即果蝇的雄性间攻击可以作为雄性品质的诚实信号。2. 我将研究雄性间攻击与种群结构的相互作用，研究种群密度和分散如何影响雄性间攻击的最佳水平。3. 我将研究在与亲缘和非亲缘相互作用时调节雄性间攻击的机制。优先领域：WUB

In this DPhil, I will explore the functions and evolutionary ecology of inter-male aggression in Drosophila melanogaster. Recent advances in the neurobiology of aggression mean it is possible to genetically modify the level of inter-male aggression in D. melanogaster. Using this exciting new system, I will investigate how the optimal equilibrium level of male aggression is defined and maintained across various environmental and social contexts. My research will cover three main areas:1. I will investigate whether the levels of inter-male aggression depend on a male's nutritional state. This will also allow me to test the largely overlooked hypothesis that inter-male aggression in Drosophila can act as an honest signal of male quality. 2. I will study the interaction of inter-male aggression and population structure, investigating how population density and dispersal influence the optimal levels of inter-male aggression. 3. I will investigate the mechanisms that regulate how inter-male aggression is mediated when interacting with kin and non-kin.Priority Area: WUB