Evolution of sensory integration in jumping spiders

描述（由申请人提供）：我提议评估跨跳蜘蛛属的多模态信号的功能和进化。我的研究将发展我们对多层次分析的感觉整合和多模式交流的理解。(1)通过评估雄性的多模态表现和雌性基于这些特征的选择，我将记录不同种类的蜘蛛在不同程度上使用多模态信号的功能；(2)通过对单模态和多模态特征的选择强度进行测量，验证复杂信号演化和多模态整合的进化机制假说；(3)我将评估和测量视觉装饰、动态运动显示和地震信号的复杂性，并使用系统发育技术，实证检验关于特征进化和显示复杂性的假设；(4)构建复杂性状进化的计算模型，检验感官统合增强和物种多样化的假设；(5)我将检验关于信号约束的假设。使用复杂性的测量，我将使用信息论来估计显示信息内容的约束，然后使用系统发育分析来测试约束是否驱动多模态信号的进化。该项目将为理解动物的感觉整合提供重要的关键组成部分，并将指导研究揭示感觉处理和交流的基本机制。神经系统如何整合感觉整合是理解大脑如何控制行为的关键。虽然大部分工作都集中在阐明这一过程背后的分子和细胞机制，但我通过采用比较进化的方法来解决这个问题。利用进化生物学的现代技术与信息论的计算技术相结合，本研究将提供对驱动多种输入整合的过程的见解，这将反过来指导神经功能的分析，以揭示感觉整合和沟通的基本机制。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): I propose to evaluate the function and evolution of multimodal signals across a jumping spider genus. My studies will develop our understanding of sensory integration and multimodal communication at multiple levels of analysis. (1) I will document the function of multimodal signaling in different species of spiders that use multimodal signaling to varying degrees by evaluating male multimodal displays and female choice based on these traits; (2) I will measure the strength of selection on uni- and multimodal traits to test hypothesis on the evolutionary mechanisms driving the evolution of complex signals and multimodal integration; (3) I will evaluate and measure the complexity of visual ornaments, dynamic movement displays, and seismic signals and, using phylogenetic techniques, empirically test hypotheses on the evolution of traits and complexity in displays; (4) I will construct a computational model for the evolution of complex character evolution and test hypotheses on increased sensory integration and species diversification; (5) I will examine hypotheses on constraints in signals. Using measurements of complexity, I will use information theory to estimate constraints on the information content of displays and then use phylogenetic analyses to test whether constraints drive the evolution of multimodal signals. This proposed project will provide important key components to understanding sensory integration in animals and will guide research into uncovering fundamental mechanisms underlying sensory processing and communication. How nervous systems integrate sensory integration is key to understanding how the brain controls behaviour. While the majority of work has focused on elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this process, I approach this question by taking a comparative evolutionary approach. Using modern day techniques in evolutionary biology combined with computational techniques in information theory, this research will provide insights into the processes that drive the integration of multiple inputs which will, in turn, guide the analysis of neural function to uncover fundamental mechanisms underlying sensory integration and communication.