The Functions and Evolutionary Ecology of Inter-Male Aggression in Drosophila melanogaster

在这篇DPhil中，我将探索黑腹果蝇雄性间攻击的功能和进化生态。攻击性神经生物学的最新进展意味着有可能从基因上改变黑腹大鼠的雄性间攻击性水平。使用这一令人兴奋的新系统，我将研究如何在各种环境和社会背景下定义和维持男性攻击性的最佳平衡水平。我的研究将涵盖三个主要领域：1.我将调查男性之间的攻击性水平是否取决于男性的营养状况。这也将使我能够检验一个很大程度上被忽视的假设，即果蝇中雄性之间的攻击性可以作为雄性质量的诚实信号。2.研究男性间攻击性与人口结构的交互作用，考察人口密度和人口分散度对男性间攻击性最优水平的影响。3.我将研究在与亲属和非亲属互动时，男性之间攻击行为的调节机制。优先领域：wub

In this DPhil, I will explore the functions and evolutionary ecology of inter-male aggression in Drosophila melanogaster. Recent advances in the neurobiology of aggression mean it is possible to genetically modify the level of inter-male aggression in D. melanogaster. Using this exciting new system, I will investigate how the optimal equilibrium level of male aggression is defined and maintained across various environmental and social contexts. My research will cover three main areas:1. I will investigate whether the levels of inter-male aggression depend on a male's nutritional state. This will also allow me to test the largely overlooked hypothesis that inter-male aggression in Drosophila can act as an honest signal of male quality. 2. I will study the interaction of inter-male aggression and population structure, investigating how population density and dispersal influence the optimal levels of inter-male aggression. 3. I will investigate the mechanisms that regulate how inter-male aggression is mediated when interacting with kin and non-kin.Priority Area: WUB