The effect of male competitive abilities on reproductive strategies
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Interdisciplinary Bioscience DTP
Abstract
Individual variation is a cornerstone for many evolutionary processes, including sexual selection. However, whilst variation amongst individuals is a key determinant of the outcome of male-male competition (for female access), research tends to focus on the winners of these contests. As such, strategic responses by 'loser' males to compensate for their own limited competitive ability may be largely overlooked, despite the importance of understanding how reproductive success is ensured amongst different individuals within a population. My project will aim to describe how less competitive males strategically invest into mating opportunities in order to improve their reproductive outcomes. In particular, I will investigate whether 'loser' males are more likely to pursue bigger groups (when this allows opportunities for cooperation) and prefer to mate with mated females when this improves competitive abilities of sperm and offspring sired. To address these topics, I will use 3 species (red junglefowl, Drosophila and neriid flies) where sexual selection may have led to patterns of strategic male mating investment. Overall, a greater characterisation of how males respond to the limitations of lower competitive ability has exciting potential for understanding how fertility and genetic diversity can be maximised across individuals, with powerful applications for increasing global food security.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M011224/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 2270204 | Studentship | BB/M011224/1 | 01/10/2019 | 30/09/2023 |
| Description | I am still completing my PhD work but believe my work is important in investigating the role of the social and structural environment on reproductive behaviour in a range of species. My first thesis topic focuses on the social drivers of alliance formation (which are cooperative 'groupings' formed by many mammalian species). The second topic focuses on sexual and aggressive behaviours within red junglefowl, including how the introduction of physical barriers within an enclosure might reduce aggression and alter the frequency and intensity of mating interactions. Finally, I will also work with cichlid fish to identify how patterns of aggression related to stocking density, and how males might interrupt aggression between females for there own gain. Further, I have been able to apply skills learnt throughout my PhD to an internship I undertook with the UK civil service. |
| Exploitation Route | As one of the species I work on is the ancestral species of the domestic chicken, my work has direct relevance to industry, for example, in understanding how the welfare and productivity of commercial flocks might be improved. Specifically, chapters of my thesis work address how the social environment can be manipulated to reduce aggression amongst females, and how the structural environment can be manipulating to affect mating skew, aggression between males and female harassment. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
| Description | UNIQ mentor |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I was paired with 3 mentees and discussed the process of continuing into graduate studies. I provided to them information on the application process, writing a CV, interview tips and discussed the pros and cons of PhD and academic life. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Women in Science Talk (St Catherine's College, Oxford) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Female and non-binary students from schools were invited to a day where women in STEM subjects gave talks about their research. I worked with some members of my research group to give an overview of our research topic and introduce them to the red junglefowl as a study species. We received questions on our journeys as female scientists. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |