RIG: Genotype × environment interaction in mate preferences and signals

在关系密切的物种中，求爱等性特征往往是最多样化的特征。因此，理解自然界多样性的起源和维持需要理解性选择（对配偶及其配子的竞争）。它的基本机制取决于性特征的遗传，最近关于其遗传结构的发现正在彻底改变这一领域。该项目将提供迄今为止最全面的关于性特征反应规范的信息（反应规范是显示同一基因型个体在不同环境中可能采取的形式的曲线）。男性和女性反应规范的不同模式可能会对性选择产生不同的影响，从阻碍这一过程到引发和促进分化。但我们没有足够的数据来评估哪些结果是常见的。这个项目将为进行这个评估提供基础。这需要一个已知性选择和环境变化会影响分化的研究小组。这就是Enchenopa树跳虫的情况，它们是一种以植物为食的昆虫，通过振动信号（通过植物茎传播的声音）进行交流。研究方法包括定量遗传学（其中育种设计用于估计遗传参数，例如牛）和最先进的激光振动测量法，以监测振动通信。该项目将扩大代表性不足的少数民族对科学的参与，并将研究、教学和推广活动结合起来。初级参与者将接触到积极的榜样，而更高级的参与者将接受指导培训。该项目将利用密尔沃基城市生态中心的优势，通过讲座和实地活动向公众展示核心发现。

Sexual traits such as courtship displays are often the most diverse features among closely related species. Understanding the origin and maintenance of diversity in nature thus requires understanding sexual selection (competition for mates and their gametes). Its basic mechanism hinges on the genetics of sexual traits, and recent findings about their genetic architecture are revolutionizing the field. This project will provide the most comprehensive information to date on the reaction norms of sexual traits (reaction norms are curves that show the forms that individuals of the same genotype can take in different environments). Different patterns in the reaction norms of male and females may have different consequences for sexual selection, all the way from hindering the process to initiating and promoting divergence. But we do not have enough data to assess which outcomes are common. This project will provide the foundation for making this assessment. This requires a study group in which sexual selection and environmental variation are known to influence divergence. This is the case in Enchenopa treehoppers, which are plant-feeding insects that communicate with vibrational signals (sounds that travel through plant stems.) Research methods involve quantitative genetics (in which breeding designs are used to estimate genetic parameters, as for example with cattle), and state-of-the-art laser vibrometry to monitor vibrational communication. This project will broaden the participation of under-represented minorities in science, and integrate research, teaching and outreach activities. Junior participants will be exposed to positive role models while more senior participants train in providing mentorship. The project will take advantage of Milwaukee's Urban Ecology Center to present core findings to the public in lectures and field activities.