How and why do female lizards manipulate the sex and size of their offspring

雌性蜥蜴如何以及为什么操纵其后代的性别和大小。数学模型表明，繁衍后代的雌性也许能够通过改变资源分配给儿子和女儿的相对比例来增强她们的进化适应性。该项目使用爬行动物模型系统以及一系列综合的实验和实地研究，以检查母体分配给儿子和女儿的模式，以及在一系列环境中男女后代的不同适应情况。这项研究将对性别分配理论中的适应性假设进行可靠的测试，并提供必要的量化数据，以了解爬行动物性别决定系统的进化。

How and why do female lizards manipulate the sex and size of their offspring. Mathematical models suggest that reproducing females may be able to enhance their evolutionary fitness by modifying the relative allocation of resources to sons versus daughters. This project uses a model reptile system and an integrated series of experimental and field studies to examine patterns of maternal allocation to sons versus daughters and differential male and female offspring fitness in a range of environments. This study will provide robust tests of adaptationist hypotheses from sex-allocation theory and provide quantitative data necessary to understand the evolution of sex-determination systems in reptiles.