Evolution and Mechanisms of Social Behaviour

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Charles Darwin found the existence of a sterile helper caste among ants and bees difficult to reconcile with his theory of natural selection, a theory that emphasizes reproductive self-interest. Indeed some of the most important and enduring questions in biology have centered on the evolution of cooperation and complex social behaviour. Despite a watershed of empirical and theoretical work, we still lack consensus on why sociality evolved in the first place, and what molecular and neural substrates facilitated its evolution. To better understand how social behaviour evolves, knowledge of the underlying mechanisms is needed.***Over the past 5 years, my group (the Aquatic Behavioural Ecology Laboratory, ABEL) has made substantial contributions to our understanding of sociality by studying social decision making, cooperation and conflict resolution strategies. We use 3 model fish systems (Tanganyikan cichlids, round goby, and plainfin midshipman) because the social repertoires of these species are well characterized. Our research combines controlled laboratory experiments with the ecological validity of field studies to study complex social behaviour. The research outlined in this proposal extends my previous research on the evolution of sociality. Using these three fish model systems, I will address the following questions: Why are some individuals or species more social than others? Is there a conserved genetic or behavioural “signature of sociality” across species? And, how do social (e.g. conspecific density) and physical (e.g. contaminants, resource density) factors influence the strength of social bonds? My long-term research aims are to answer these questions, to broaden our understanding of complex social behaviour, and to clarify the roles played by species life history, demography, genetics and physiology in the evolution of sociality. ***The research proposed has both basic and applied science significance. From a basic science perspective the research will provide a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the ecology and mechanisms underlying the evolution of cooperation and grouping behaviour. Using cichlid fishes we investigate the fundamental behavioural building blocks needed to make a social phenotype and investigate if there is a common molecular root for advanced sociality. From the applied science perspective, the research results will help us better understand the process of species invasion and shed light on how global change might influence biodiversity via changes in animal social behaviour. In summary, the proposed research program will contribute to the emerging discipline of sociogenomics, facilitate international transfer of knowledge among North American, European and African scientists and students, and serve to strengthen Canada's role as a leader in fish, fisheries and aquatic environmental research.*** *** *** *** **