Year of Award
2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
Master of Science (MS)
Degree Name
Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Evolution
Department or School/College
Division of Biological Sciences
Committee Chair
Doug J. Emlen
Commitee Members
Dr. Erick Greene Dr. W. Anthony Frankino
Keywords
Insect, evolution, morphology, sexual selection, behavior, weapons
Publisher
University of Montana
Subject Categories
Behavior and Ethology | Entomology | Evolution | Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Abstract
Exaggerated weapons of sexual selection often diverge more rapidly and dramatically than other body parts, suggesting that relevant agents of selection may be discernible in contemporary populations. I examined the ecology, reproductive behavior, and strength of sexual selection on horn length in five recently diverged beetle populations that differ in relative horn size. I show that mating system ecology differs between these locations and corresponds with the local strength of contemporary selection on horn length. Comparisons of ecological conditions and selection strength across populations offer a critical first step towards meaningfully linking mating system dynamics, selection patterns, and diversity in sexually selected traits.
Recommended Citation
del Sol, Jillian F., "SHAPING THE TOOLS OF BATTLE : SEXUAL SELECTION, CONTEST DYNAMICS, AND WEAPON DIVERGENCE IN THE ASIAN RHINOCEROS BEETLE TRYPOXYLUS DICHOTOMUS" (2019). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 11397.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/11397
Included in
Behavior and Ethology Commons, Entomology Commons, Evolution Commons, Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons
© Copyright 2019 Jillian F. del Sol