Sexual Selection, Sex Allocation, and Reproductive Strategies

Mate choice can have profound impacts on gene flow between populations and on adaptation to local conditions. We have investigated a number of processes that can both select for changes in the mating system and feedback onto the ecological dynamics of species. We have shown that sexual selection can improve local adaptation and that local adaptation can maintain male displays and resolve the paradox of the lek. The specific nature of mate choice is also important, and we have shown that assortative mating has different selection strength than female preferences for high quality males. We are continuing to work on the interplay between local adaptation, mate choice, and the evolution of genetic architecture.