Theoretical Studies of the Adaptive Evolution of Premating Isolation: Conspecific Gamete Precedence and Cultural Inheritance

生境退化和物种引进增加了物种间杂交的机会。 当杂交种的生存率很低时，成对的物种有时会发展出配偶选择机制来防止杂交。 本研究以数学模式探讨两种生物因素如何影响择偶分歧的发生。 一些交配多次的动物不成比例地使用自己物种成员的精子，这种现象称为同种配子优先;数学模型和计算机模拟将评估不同形式的同种配子优先是否可以防止配偶选择的分歧。 许多动物也有一个学习的，以及遗传的，择偶的组成部分。 研究的其余部分将分析学习如何影响择偶分歧的可能性。 该项目的部分内容将由本科生承担，作为北卡罗来纳州大学PI开发的数学轨道的一部分。这条轨道的目标是双重的，以提高生物学专业的数学素养一般，并提高妇女在数学生物学的参与。学生们将在一个网站上发布他们的发现，该网站是为生物学教师和学生开发的。 参与这项研究使学生能够进一步了解产生和维持生物多样性的过程。

Habitat degradation and species introductions are increasing the opportunity for hybridization between species. When hybrids have poor survival, pairs of species can sometimes develop mate choice mechanisms to prevent interbreeding. This research uses mathematical models to examine how two biological factors affect whether mate choice divergence will occur. Some animals that mate multiple times disproportionately use the sperm of members of their own species, a phenomenon called conspecific gamete precedence; mathematical models and computer simulations will assess whether different forms of conspecific gamete precedence can prevent divergence in mate choices. Many animals also have a learned, as well as genetic, component to mate choice. The remainder of the research will analyze how learning can affect the likelihood of mate choice divergence. Portions of this project will be undertaken by undergraduates as part of a mathematical track being developed by the PI at the University of North Carolina. The goals of this track are twofold, to increase the mathematical literacy of biology majors in general, and to increase the participation of women in mathematical biology. Students will distribute their findings on a website developed for use by biology teachers and students. Participating in this research enables the students to further our understanding of the processes that produce and maintain biological diversity.