Endocrine and Immune System Effects on Morphology and Behavior

这项研究项目探讨了激素和 产生生殖展示行为的免疫反应 和特殊的形态，如公鸡的鲜红色鸡冠。 替吉奥抑制多种免疫反应， 动物，祖克博士将研究免疫系统是如何 受自然和人为变化的影响， 这一重要激素的水平。 在挑战雄性动物后 寄生虫病患者的免疫反应将被监测 在性发育程度方面， 特征及其对女性的影响。 这项研究 生殖系统进化研究的意义 因为它可能揭示一种新的机制， 进化

This research project explores the interaction of hormones and the immune response in producing reproductive display behaviors and specialized morphology such as the rooster's bright red comb. Testosterone suppresses the immune response in many kinds of animals, and Dr. Zuk will examine how the immune system is affected by both natural and artificially-induced changes in the levels of this important hormone. After challenging male animals with a parasitic disease, their immune response will be monitored in the context of the degree of development of sexual characteristics and their effect on females. The research has implications for the study of the evolution of reproductive behavior because it may bring to light a new mechanism for that evolution.