CAREER: Mapping sexual isolation and sexual selection in nature for a model vertebrate

Michigan State University, East Lansing MI

Investigators

Abstract

How does sexual selection act on genomes to create new species? Recent work shows that sexual selection is a ubiquitous process creating new species, yet almost nothing is known about how it creates reproductive isolation at the genomic level. The proposed work focuses on mate choice in species of stickleback fishes. Measures of sexual selection and sexual isolation from field behavioral experiments will be combined with genetic mapping to identify the parts of the genome that underlie male reproductive success and generate isolation between species. Laboratory experiments will evaluate the role of sensory bias for particular colors in generating sexual selection and speciation. Several of these fish species are endangered due to hybridization following species introductions; this research addresses urgent priorities for the stickleback recovery team and has broad implications for understanding how environmental change threatens endangered species. The educational plan addresses increasing public understanding of evolution through public outreach and training for K-12 teachers. The researchers will develop formal and informal educational materials based on real-world examples of Evolution in Action to enhance public insight into how evolution generates new species. The research will also train graduate and undergraduate students and a postdoc in evolutionary genetics and behavioral research, and in public outreach.