Phylogenetic Reconstruction of Nuptial Coloration in Darters (Percidae: Etheostoma)

达尔文提出了性选择理论，以解释许多动物用来获得配偶的奢侈特征。性选择倾向于任何在获得配偶方面提供竞争优势的特征，即使它降低了存活的机会，从而解释了这些通常奇怪的求偶特征和仪式。但为什么近亲物种会表现出如此多样化的求偶特征呢？求偶特征的多样性仍然是进化生物学的一个中心问题。这项拟议的研究使用现代遗传方法来重建飞镖物种之间的进化关系，飞镖是一种北美淡水鱼，表现出显著的婚礼色彩。结合对这些颜色的详细光谱分析，这项研究为解释这一非凡的美洲鱼类群体的颜色多样化奠定了必要的基础。这项研究的一个中心目标是增加未被充分代表的群体对生物科学的参与。密歇根大学以在STEM领域招收、留住少数族裔学生并最终取得成功而闻名。通过提供资金支持、密切的指导关系和在生物科学方面的一系列研究经验，拟议的项目将为少数族裔学生提供关键的机会，他们将在很大程度上构成下一代专业生物学家。

Darwin proposed the theory of sexual selection to explain the extravagant traits that many animals use to obtain a mate. Sexual selection favors any trait that provides a competitive advantage in acquiring mates, even if it reduces the chance of survival, thus explaining these often bizarre courtship traits and rituals. But why should closely related species exhibit such a diversity of courtship traits? The diversification of courtship traits remains a central question in evolutionary biology. The proposed research uses modern genetic methods to reconstruct evolutionary relationships among species of darters, North American freshwater fish that exhibit striking nuptial coloration. Combined with detailed spectral analysis of these colors, this research establishes the necessary groundwork for explaining the diversification of coloration in this remarkable group of American fish. A central objective of this research is to increase participation of underrepresented groups in the biological sciences. UMBC is renowned for its recruitment, retention, and ultimate success of minority students in the STEM fields. By providing financial support, a close mentoring relationship, and a range of research experience in the biological sciences, the proposed project will provide critical opportunities for minority students who will constitute, in larger part, the next generation of professional biologists.