DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Exploring the existence of two discrete male phenotypes in a mixed population of Schizocosa wolf spiders

PI - Eileen a . Hebets， Co-PI Kasey Fowler-Finn提案# IOS 0808354论文研究：探索在Schizocosa狼蛛混合种群中两种离散雄性表型的存在本研究的目标是更好地理解自然种群中变异形成、维持和进化的过程。具体来说，本研究的重点是了解在单一狼蛛物种中发现的两种雄性形式的存在和假定的维持。两种雄性形式（刷腿和无装饰的雄性）在密西西比州一个明显自由杂交的种群中被发现，与之前描述的两种生殖隔离的物种相同。这项研究的第一个目的是用分子方法来证实这两种男性形式在这个混合群体中并不代表两个不同的遗传群体。第二个目标是使用不同的兄弟姐妹养育制度来了解影响男性形态发展的因素，特别是解决饮食和/或遗传的重要性。最后，将利用分子鉴定技术在人工野外种群中确定两种雄性的终生繁殖成功率。综上所述，拟议的综合研究为从分子、发育、行为和自然领域的角度理解两种男性形式的存在提供了难得的机会。这项研究的结果可能会极大地有助于我们对物种形成和表型变异维持的理解。工作的广泛影响：这项研究将为本科生的研究培训提供大量机会，并为密西西比州农村地区的当地青年提供参与研究标本收集的机会。此外，本研究产生的蜘蛛生物学知识将通过内布拉斯加州林肯市的林肯社区学习中心项目传播给小学生。

PI - Eileen A. Hebets, Co-PI Kasey Fowler-Finn Proposal # IOS 0808354DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Exploring the existence of two discrete male phenotypes in a mixed population of Schizocosa wolf spidersThe goal of this research is to develop a better understanding of the processes governing the formation, maintenance and evolution of variation within natural populations. Specifically, this research focuses on understanding the existence and putative maintenance of two male forms found within a single wolf spider species. The two male forms (brush-legged and non-ornamented males) are found in an apparently freely interbreeding population in Mississippi, and are identical to two previously described species that have are reproductively isolated. The first objective of the proposed research is to use molecular approaches to confirm that the two male forms do not represent two distinct genetic groups in this mixed population. The second objective will use different sibling rearing regimes to understand factors that influence the development of the male forms - specifically addressing the importance of diet and/or genetics. Finally, lifetime reproductive success of the two male forms will be determined in artificial field populations using molecular techniques for paternity analysis. Taken together, the proposed integrative research allows for the exceptional opportunity to understand the existence of two alternative male forms from molecular, developmental, behavioral, and natural field-based perspectives. Results of this research will likely contribute greatly to our understanding of both speciation and the maintenance of phenotypic variation. Broader impacts of the work: This research will provide numerous opportunities for research training of undergraduate students as well as opportunities for local youth in rural Mississippi to be involved in specimen collection for research. Furthermore, knowledge of spider biology generated by this research will be disseminated to elementary school students through the Lincoln Community Learning Center program in Lincoln, Nebraska.