| Alternative reproductive behaviors and inter-sexual selection
photo credit: Daniel Bay |
I am interested in how interactions within and between the sexes affect the evolution and expression of alternative reproductive patterns (Henson and Warner 1997). Traditionally, both frequency-dependent fitness and condition-dependence have been postulated to allow the stable coexistence of alternative behaviors. Using the multi-player dynamic game method, I was able to show that female choice can completely alter the conditions under which we expect alternatives to occur (Alonzo and Warner 2000a). Further, female alternatives can exist and can even help maintain male alternative behaviors. I am currently extending this research to look at the effect of sexual selection on the evolution of male alternative reproductive behaviors and the potential for female alternatives.
In S. ocellatus, I studied male alternative life-history patterns using otolith growth data in collaboration with Michael Taborsky and Peter Wirtz (Alonzo et al. 2000). At least three separate male life-history pathways exist in this species. The next step is to examine how female behavior may indirectly influence the interactions between males as well as the expression of these male alternatives. From research on the mating system, we have discovered that it is the conflict between females and nesting males that allows sneakers to have mating success.
I have also collaborated with Ryan Calsbeek and Barry Sinervo to develop theory predicting the conditions under which alternative defense behaviors may coexist. We have applied these models to understanding the existence of discrete variation in male territorial behavior in the side-blotched lizard, Uta stansburiana (Calsbeek et al 2002).
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