The evolution of sociality

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Why are some individuals and species more social or cooperative than others? How can cooperation evolve when natural selection is thought to favour self interest? Evolutionary biologists have hotly debated these issues for decades. Using a combination of innovative molecular techniques, field and lab behavioural experiments, and cross species comparisons of gene expression (social vs non-social species), my students and I will provide a new perspective on the causes and consequences of cooperation and conflict in social groups. The research links behaviour, genes and physiology and in so doing generates a more comprehensive and unified theory for the evolution of social behaviour. Use of non-traditional study species, cichlid fishes will allow me to experimentally unravel some of the neural and genetic mechanisms responsible for cooperation and group living. Findings will be used to develop new, more integrated evolutionary models of cooperation and conflict, based on more realistic assumptions informed by the neurophysiology underlying social behaviour. My long-term research aim is to broaden our understanding of complex social behaviour, and clarify the roles played by life history, demography, genetics and physiology. The short-term research aims are to determine 1) what factors influence cooperation and conflict in social groups; and 2) how change in social behaviour triggers differential gene expression. The research program will provide postdoctoral fellows, graduates and undergraduate students with valuable and marketable skills, training them in behavioural, statistical, ecological, genetic, physiological and neurobiological methodologies. By exploring the impacts of social experience on both sexes and across dominance ranks, the results are likely to influence many researchers across a diverse set of disciplines. The research program will also facilitate an international transfer of knowledge between Canadian, American and African scientists. Finally, by continuing a Canadian scientific presence in Zambia and Lake Tanganyika it will serve to strengthen Canada's role as a leader in fish, fisheries and aquatic environmental research.