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: 2020
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2020-01-01 至 2021-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=712847
• 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，但仍然存在争议，部分原因是该理论的基础在很大程度上尚未得到检验。 虽然性选择的许多组成部分（例如侵略性竞争、择偶和性冲突）已得到澄清，但大多数研究主要集中在昆虫和鸟类等具有特殊生活史的类群上。最终，我们需要来自其他类群（包括哺乳动物）的类似证据，而这方面的理论和实验工作还缺乏。此外，还存在一些尚未解决的重大问题，例如有利于引人注目的第二性装饰品和信号的机制；了解女性偏好的演变或交配系统的演变。根据我们十多年来在驯鹿 (Rangifer tarandus) 种群繁殖生态学方面的研究经验，我的研究团队将解决上述差距，以推动该领域向前发展。我的研究计划将测试交配系统理论的关键预测，包括性选择的基本机制。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交配，使用替代交配策略并展示择偶选择； （2）确定雄性间竞争的强度和雄性交配策略随可操作性别比（准备交配的雄性与雌性的比率）变化的程度； (3) 评估驯鹿交配后性选择的潜力；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。我的研究计划使用多种方法的组合（操纵性大规模现场实验；基于个人的长期人口统计数据和观察性现场工作）来测试交配系统理论的基本方面，这也与野生动物管理者相关。利用我们独特的研究群体（例如完全控制的基于 GPS 的群体，具有已知的血统），拟议的研究将增强我们对交配系统进化的理解，同时揭示女性性选择中被忽视的关键方面。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，并提供长期保护所需的信息，具有管理意义。通过测试精子质量假说，驯鹿牧民可以利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，学生在北极圈和国际环境中工作时将获得宝贵的现场经验。