Ecological and evolutionary impacts of sexual dimorphism

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Sex differences are one of the most commonly observed biological phenomenon. Yet we know little about how sexual dimorphism (trait differences between males and females of the same species) contributes to characteristic feedbacks between evolution and ecology (eco-evolutionary dynamics). My research uses economically important insects (pollinators and pests) to measure how human-induced environmental change influences sexual selection (SS) to impact sex differences and how these sex differences feedback to influence ecology and evolution. In the next five years, my lab will address 3 research objectives: 1: Characterize the influence of environmental change on sexual dimorphism 2: Determine how variation in sexual dimorphism influences ecology 3: Illustrate how extreme sexual dimorphism affects evolutionary processes How does environmental variation affect sexual dimorphism? Objective 1 measures differences in male and female responses to environmental stressors. We will examine anthropogenic impacts on SS by measuring common correlates of SS (ornamentation, sex ratio skew and sexual size dimorphism) in dance flies and mosquitoes across an urban gradient (city centre to natural habitat). We will also measure female mosquito oviposition preferences in response to city pollutants and predation pressure in high and low human density areas. How do sex differences impact ecology? Objective 2 addresses the effect that sex differences (like those shaped by environmental change) can have on ecological processes. In project 1 we will measure feeding behaviours and body composition across life stages in male and female dragonflies to quantify the impact of subtle variation in sexual dimorphism across life history on ecology. The second project assesses sexually dimorphic prey vulnerability in mosquitoes. I will quantify variation in sex-specific mosquito larvae size and movement and measure predator preference for one sex or the other. How does strong SS on one sex impact co-evolutionary dynamics between the sexes? Objective 3 builds on my previous work into how strong selection on females can shape evolutionary outcomes. We will measure quickly evolving structures (genitalia) in males and females within and across dance flies (Diptera: Empidinae) to estimate rates of evolution and coevolution dynamics between the sexes when females are the sex under stronger selection. Impact and training - These projects will represent a major advance in our understanding of how environments can differently impact the sexes and how sex differences can shape ecology and evolution. These results will have important implications for conservation, urban planning and pest management. Importantly, trainees will play an important role in all projects. I will recruit and provide training at all levels of study (BSc, MSc, PhD, PDF). Trainees will gain expertise in a multidisciplinary suite of techniques and professional training to obtain careers in science.