Testing mating systems and sexual selection theories in a polygynous model system

在一夫多妻模型系统中测试交配系统和性选择理论

• 批准号: RGPIN-2018-04396
• 负责人: Weladji, Robert
• 金额: $ 2.4万
• 依托单位: Concordia University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2019
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2019-01-01 至 2020-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=685059
• 关键词: Testing; mating; systems; sexual; selection

Sexual selection has been widely studied, but it remains controversial, partly because the foundations of the theory are still largely untested. While many components of sexual selection (e.g. aggressive competition, mate choice and sexual conflict) have been clarified, most studies focus principally on insects and birds, taxa with peculiar life histories. Ultimately we need similar evidences from other taxa, including mammals, for which theoretical and experimental work is lacking. Moreover, some major unsolved issues exist, such as the mechanisms that favor conspicuous secondary sex ornaments and signals; an understanding of the evolution of female preferences, or the evolution of mating systems. Building from our experience working on the reproduction ecology of a reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) population for more than 10 years, my research team will address the above mentioned gap in order to move the field forward. My research program will test the key predictions of mating systems theory, including the underlying mechanisms of sexual selection. More specifically, over the next 5 years, my students and I will: (1) determine whether females compete for mates, use alternative mating strategies and exhibit mate choice; (2) establish to what extent the intensity of male-male competition and male mating tactics change with the operational sex ratio (the ratio of males to females that are ready to mate); (3) evaluate the potential for postcopulatory sexual selection in reindeer; determine (4) how female density influences mating group dynamics and mating tactics, and how they in turn (5) affect the opportunity for sexual selection. My research program uses a combination of approaches (manipulative large-scale field experiments; long-term individual based demographic data, and observational field work) to test fundamental aspects of mating systems theory that is also relevant to wildlife managers. Taking advantage of our unique study population (e.g. fully-controlled GPS-based population, with a known pedigree), the proposed research will enhance our understanding of the evolution of mating systems while shedding light on critical aspects of female sexual selection that have been overlooked. The research has management implications by exploring how population density influences the distribution of male mating success and population productivity, and by providing information necessary for long term conservation. By testing the sperm quality hypothesis, reindeer herders may use our results to select their breeding males. The project will also contribute to the training of highly qualified personnel (2 PhD, 4 MSc and at least 5 BSc) in behavioural ecology, evolutionary ecology, as well as wildlife conservation and management. In addition, the students will gain invaluable field experience while working in the circumpolar North, and in an international environment.

性选择已被广泛研究，但仍存在争议，部分原因是该理论的基础在很大程度上仍未经检验。虽然性选择的许多组成部分（如侵略性竞争、配偶选择和性冲突）已经得到澄清，但大多数研究主要集中在昆虫和鸟类这些具有特殊生活史的分类群上。最终，我们需要从包括哺乳动物在内的其他分类群中获得类似的证据，这方面缺乏理论和实验工作。此外，还存在一些尚未解决的主要问题，如偏好明显的第二性装饰和信号的机制；了解女性偏好的进化，或交配系统的进化。根据我们研究驯鹿（Rangifer tarandus）种群繁殖生态学10多年的经验，我的研究团队将解决上述差距，以推动该领域向前发展。我的研究项目将测试交配系统理论的关键预测，包括性选择的潜在机制。更具体地说，在接下来的5年里，我和我的学生将：(1)确定雌性是否会竞争配偶，使用其他交配策略并展示配偶选择；(2)确定雄性与雄性之间的竞争强度和雄性交配策略随有效性能比（准备交配的雄性与雌性的比例）的变化程度；(3)评价驯鹿交配后性选择的可能性；确定(4)雌性密度如何影响交配群体动态和交配策略，以及它们反过来如何(5)影响性选择的机会。我的研究项目使用了多种方法（可操作的大规模野外实验；长期的基于个人的人口统计数据和实地观察工作）来测试交配系统理论的基本方面，这也与野生动物管理者有关。利用我们独特的研究群体（例如，完全控制的基于gps的群体，具有已知的谱系），拟议的研究将增强我们对交配系统进化的理解，同时揭示被忽视的女性性选择的关键方面。该研究通过探索种群密度如何影响雄性交配成功率和种群生产力的分布，并为长期保护提供必要的信息，具有管理意义。通过测试精子质量假说，驯鹿牧民可以使用我们的结果来选择他们的繁殖雄性。该项目还将有助于培养行为生态学、进化生态学以及野生动物保护和管理方面的高素质人才（2名博士、4名硕士和至少5名理学士）。此外，学生将获得宝贵的实地经验，而在北极圈北极工作，并在一个国际环境。