DISSERTATION RESEARCH - An Integrative Study of the Evolution of Complex Sexual Singals

复杂性信号进化的综合研究。当前进化生物学研究的一个中心目标是理解动物信号的进化和功能。事实上，生物学家很长一段时间以来一直将注意力转向了解天堂鸟的明亮色彩或鸣禽的悦耳叫声。与产生这些信号相关的成本和向预期接收者传递信息的效率应该使信号简单;因此，令人惊讶的是，许多物种具有多重或复杂的信号。多信号的演变仍然没有完全理解，因为大多数以前的研究都集中在他们的演变假设的一个子集。使用一个特定的统计框架（路径分析模型）的基础上，观察和实验数据，该项目将区分所有的替代假设的多个性信号在自由放养的云雀buntings，Calamospiza melanocorys的演变。百灵鸟特别适合这个问题，因为它们具有复杂的社会行为，许多不同的视觉信号，并且很容易观察，所有这些都是成功研究多种信号的关键。此外，雄性通过重新排列羽毛来改变信号，以实现变色龙般的颜色变化，这表明了一种有趣的可能性，即雄性可能会灵活而瞬间地将其他相关的性信号分开。拟议的研究还包括本科生研究助理参与从实验设计和数据收集到数据分析的项目的各个方面的机会。过去的助理大多来自代表性不足的群体（女性，文化多样性），由于直接指导，许多人现在正在攻读更高的学位。

An Integrative Study of the Evolution of Complex Sexual SignalsAlexis S. ChaineA central goal in current studies of evolutionary biology is to understand the evolution and function of animal signals. Indeed, biologists have for a long time turned their attention to understanding the bright coloration of birds of paradise or the melodious calls of songbirds. Costs associated with the production of these signals and the efficiency of information transfer to an intended receiver should cause signals to be simple; therefore, it is surprising that many species have multiple, or complex, signals. The evolution of multiple signals is still not fully understood because most previous studies on this topic have focused on only a subset of hypotheses for their evolution. Using a specific statistical framework (path analytic model) based on both observational and experimental data, this project will distinguish between all the alternative hypotheses for the evolution of multiple sexual signals in free ranging lark buntings, Calamospiza melanocorys. Lark buntings are especially suited for this question because they have complex social behaviors, a number of distinct visual signals, and are easily observed, all of which are key to a successful study of multiple signals. Furthermore, males behaviorally modify signals by rearranging their feathers to achieve chameleon-like color change, which suggests the intriguing possibility that males might flexibly and instantaneously uncouple otherwise linked sexual signals. The proposed research also includes opportunities for undergraduate research assistants to participate in all aspects of the project from experimental design and data collection through data analysis. Past assistants have mostly been from underrepresented groups (female, culturally diverse) and, as a result of direct mentoring, many are now pursuing higher degrees.