DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Fitness Consequences of Alternative Reproductive Strategies

谢尔曼9520801抽象进化论认为，行为应该得到调整，以最大限度地提高S个人的健康水平。个体在不同行为模式之间切换的物种为检验这一假设提供了机会。本论文的改进研究将对比雄性水行者的领域性行为和游荡行为。这是一个强大的模型系统，因为它可以在重复的行为决定过程中观察单个个体。这项研究将确定为什么另类行为在人群中保持不变，并确定提示行为之间转换的因素。对交配成功的行为观察和亲子关系的电泳分析将显示领地和流浪对后代数量的影响。对社会、个人和环境变量的实验操作将与行为观察相结合，以确定是什么导致行为转换。这项研究将增加对行为决策基础和替代行为演变的理解。

Sherman 9520801 Abstract Evolutionary theory suggests that behavior should be adjusted to maximize an individual s fitness. Species in which individuals switch between distinct behavior patterns offer an opportunity to test this hypothesis. This dissertation improvement research will contrast the alternative behaviors of territoriality and wandering in male water striders. This is a powerful model system because it is possible to watch single individuals over the course of repeated behavioral decisions. The research will determine why alternative behaviors are maintained in the population, and identify the factors that cue switches between behaviors. Behavioral observations of mating success and electrophoretic analyses of paternity will show how territoriality and wandering affect number of offspring. Experimental manipulation of social, individual, and environmental variables will be combined with behavioral observations to determine what causes behavioral switches. The research will increase understanding of the bases of behavioral decisions and the evolution of alternative behaviors.