Evolutionary analyses of sexual dimorphism

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Males and females can differ strikingly in behaviour, morphology and physiology, and these differences have consequences ranging from biodiversity to human health. Understanding the evolutionary forces that shape sex differences is therefore a central problem in evolutionary biology. The overall goals of my research are twofold: to understand the nature of selective forces, genetic opportunities and constraints that govern the evolution of sexual differences, and to understand their consequences for diversification. To address these questions we employ the full tool kit of evolutionary biology, ranging from the development of new theory, to empirical studies of selection, to developmental genetics. Our integrative approach provides a fertile ground for the intellectual development of undergraduates, graduate and post-doctoral trainees. In this environment, students learn a wide range of practical skills specific to evolutionary biology, and the more general skills of scientific analysis and communication.