Elaboration and diversification of rhinoceros beetle horns

Author

Erin Louisa McCullough

Year of Award

2014

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Name

Organismal Biology and Ecology

Department or School/College

Division of Biological Sciences

Committee Chair

Douglas J. Emlen

Committee Co-chair

Bret W. Tobalske

Commitee Members

Stacey A. Combes, Creagh W. Breuner, H. Arthur Woods

Abstract

Sexual selection is a potent driver in the evolution of male morphology and has given rise to bright, flashy ornaments that attract females, and big, bulky weapons that aid in male-male combat. Although previous studies have focused extensively on how female choice can drive the evolution and diversification of male ornaments, surprisingly little work has been done on the evolution of male weapons. Thus, we simply cannot convincingly explain why sexually-selected weapons are so diverse.

Recommended Citation

McCullough, Erin Louisa, "Elaboration and diversification of rhinoceros beetle horns" (2014). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 10771.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/10771