Sexual selection and the evolution of chemical communication

Supervisors: Dr Rhonda Snook

Key words: Drosophila pseudoobscura; speciation ;cuticular hydrocarbon (CHs) profiles

Project Description

During courtship and mating, organisms use a variety of signals, such as visual, acoustic and chemical, to communicate and these signals can influence male mating success and female choice. Additionally, these signals can be used to indicate species identity and thus potentially function in reproductive isolation. This PhD project will examine the evolution of chemical communication in response to variation in sexual selection in Drosophila pseudoobscura. The project will measure cuticular hydrocarbon (CHs) profiles of populations evolving under either enforced monogamy or elevated levels of female promiscuity to test the hypothesis that sexual selection drives its evolution. We will also examine the extent to which sexual dimorphism in CH profiles have diverged between selection regimes as predicted by sexual selection theory. Subsequent manipulations, involving altering the CH profile of males and influencing female perception of the profile, followed by measures of male and female response to partners with these manipulations, will be employed to determine the functional significance of the CH profile changes. We will also quantify the physical structures that perceive CHs in both sexes to determine whether they have evolved. The effect of CH profile evolution on the courtship response of heterospecific D. persimilis males and females will be employed to test the hypothesis that CHs function in reproductive isolation. Opportunities may also arise to engage in genetic studies to identify candidate CH genes which have responded to sexual selection. The results will address current significant questions in sexual selection, the evolution of sexual dimorphism, and speciation.

Starting date: 1 October 2010.

How to apply: Complete an on-line application form via University of Sheffield web site at http://www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply/index.html. Send a full CV, via email to Mrs S Carter, s.a.carter@sheffield.ac.uk, or a hard copy to Mrs S Carter, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN.

Closing date for applications: 31 January 2010.