Mechanisms of sex-specific reproductive timing and migratory movements in seasonal environments

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Evidence from around the Earth indicates that climate regimes are shifting, and society now faces the question: can animals keep pace with the rate of environmental change? In seasonal environments like those of Canada, the timing of migration and reproduction strongly influences reproductive fitness in animals. Yet optimal timing can be sex-specific and difficult to achieve in environments that vary at multiple spatial and temporal scales. To predict responses of populations accurately, we need to strengthen our understanding of how individuals anticipate seasonal change and respond to environmental variability. We also can no longer ignore sex differences in the timing of migration and reproduction, because the way individuals respond to abiotic and biotic factors likely will be sex-specific. My research program is uncovering key mechanisms that influence how males and females time their migratory and reproductive events in response to environmental factors. My proposed research will focus on two vertebrate groups that are migratory, highly seasonal, and exhibit sex-specific timing: Pacific salmon and North American warblers.