Dissertation Research: Empirical Studies of Leptothorax curvispinsus

安东诺维奇9520793 为了评估使用亲属选择框架来解释工人行为的适当性，将阐明蚂蚁，Leptothorax curvispinosus的殖民地之间的性别比例差异的起源。 将通过流式细胞术（该技术的一种新应用）测定产卵性别比，并与次年的成年性别比进行比较。 产卵和成年性别比之间的显着差距表明，工人可能确实操纵育雏性别比，其包容性健身效益，可能的机制将进行实验研究。 历史歪曲入侵的可能作用将通过计算机模拟和遗传模型进行探讨。 这种“扭曲入侵假说”的初步模拟表明，一个解释的eusociality显着不同的亲属选择论的解释，在本质上认为，入侵创建可预测的，振荡的配偶限制，和工人的行为是在这种情况下的适应性反应。

Antonovics 9520793 To evaluate the appropriateness of using a kin selectionist framework to explain worker behavior, the origin(s) of sex ratio differences between colonies of the ant, Leptothorax curvispinosus, will be elucidated. Oviposition sex ratios will be determined by flow cytometry (a novel application of this technology) and compared with the following year's adult sex ratios. A marked disparity between oviposition and adult sex ratios would suggest that workers may indeed manipulate brood sex ratios to their inclusive fitness benefit; possible mechanisms will be investigated experimentally. The possible role of historical distorter invasion will be explored through computer simulation and genetic models. Initial simulations of this "distorter invasion hypothesis" suggest an interpretation of eusociality that differs significantly from the kin selectionist explanation, in essence arguing that invasion creates predictable, oscillating mate limitations, and that worker behavior is an adaptive response under such circumstances.