Genetic Analysis of Sexual Dimorphism in the Toothed Earwig Spongovostox apicedentatus

PI建议通过估计进一步进化反应的可能性和澄清对耳垢进化的进化限制来研究尖齿链球菌钳子变异的根本原因。这将通过将选择的分割和量化与钳子形态的定量遗传分析相结合来实现。计算机化的图像分析将被用来将产钳的形态变异性与性内和两性间的成功互动联系起来。这提供了一种相对适合度的衡量标准。估计遗传力和遗传相关性的定量遗传分析将表明潜在的遗传影响和对变异性的限制。遗传分析产生了对选择反应的潜力的衡量标准。结合对选择的分析和对选择的估计反应，将详细描述尖齿沙棘钳子的进化。这项研究将详细分析性别二态结构的演变。除了这项实验室研究外，PI还将继续收集关于尖齿螺旋体在亚利桑那州索诺兰沙漠使用钳子的初步野外观察。因此，可以将实验室观察比作更自然的情况。此外，实地工作还将为今后对种群和物种之间的变异性进行比较分析提供初步数据，并为今后设计其他种类耳机的实地研究提供有用的信息。

The PI proposes to examine the ultimate causes of variability in the forceps of S.apicedentatus by estimating the potential for a further evolutionary response and clarifying evolutionary constraints on the evolution of earwig. This will be accomplished by combining a partitioning and quantification of selection with a quantitative genetic analyses of forceps morphology. Computerized image analysis will be used to relate the morphological variability in forceps to success in intra and intersexual interactions. This provides a measure of relative fitness. Quantitative genetic analysis that estimate heritabilities and genetic correlations will indicate potential genetic influences and constraints on variability. The genetic analysis yields a measure of the potential for response to selection. Combining the analysis of selection with the estimated response to selection will provide a detailed description of the evolution of forceps in S. apicedentatus. This, this study will provide a detailed analysis of the evolution of a sexually dimorphic structure. In addition to this laboratory study, the PI will continue to collect preliminary field observations on the use of forceps by S. apicedentatus in the Sonoran desert of Arizona. Thus, the laboratory observations can be compared to a more natural situation. In addition, the field work will also generate preliminary data for future comparative analyses of variability between populations and species, and information useful in designing future field studies of other species of earwigs.