The ecology and evolution of reproduction in the tessellated darter

We have also been conducting research on a new study species. In the tessellated darter, Etheostoma olmstedi, male alternative reproductive behaviors exist: Some males desert their offspring while other ‘allopaternal’ males care for these unrelated young. Our research on this species is focused on understanding the evolution of allopaternal care, the role of competition for resources on male behavior and its affect on sexual selection and female choice. In this species, female prefer large males but also prefer nests with healthy eggs.

• Sexual selection and reproductive behavior in the ocellated wrasse
• The ecology and evolution of reproduction in the tessellated darter
• Theory on the evolution and ecology of mating systems and sexual selection
• Alternative reproductive behaviors and inter-sexual selection
• Mate choice and sex ratio allocation in the side blotched lizard
• New methods for understanding the intersection of evolution and ecology