The costs of pheromone production

这个项目试图回答性选择理论中的基本问题。化学交流在大多数类群的交配选择中起着基础性的作用，但对它的研究还很少。传统上，信息素的生产成本一直被认为是低的。这些“低成本”信号如何保持“诚实”，仍然是进化生物学的中心问题。该项目旨在量化在两种不同化学通讯模式的昆虫模型系统中生产信息素的成本，并揭示确保信号诚实的潜在生理机制。该项目希望增进化学通信和昆虫免疫学领域的知识，为害虫管理提供有用的信息。

This project seeks to answer fundamental questions in sexual selection theory. Chemical communication plays a fundamental role in mate choice in most taxa, yet it is critically under-researched. Traditionally, the costs of pheromone production have been assumed to be low. How these ‘low-cost’ signals remain ‘honest’ remains a central question in evolutionary biology. This project intends to quantify the costs of pheromone production in two insect model systems with different modes of chemical communication, and to reveal the underlying physiological mechanisms that ensure signal honesty. This project expects to advance knowledge in the fields of chemical communication and insect immunology which may provide information useful to pest management.