The Evolution of Complex Signaling

Much of the research in my laboratory focuses on the evolution and function of complex signaling. While many displays throughout the animal kingdom simultaneously utilize multiple signals, often in multiple modalities, the function and significance of these complex displays are not well understood. The primary goal of this research program is to understand the various selection pressures that might drive the evolution of complex signaling, with a special focus on courtship signaling. The methods that I use to achieve this goal incorporate multiple levels of analysis including broad comparative approaches concentrating on behavior and morphology, manipulative laboratory and field experiments, as well as more mechanistic approaches incorporating electrophysiology and endocrine assays. Currently, while the wolf spider genus Schizocosa is the primary system within which I focus my questions regarding complex signal function, I also work on the jumping spider genus Habronattus (see publication list).

Complex signal evolution in the wolf spider genus Schizocosa –This research program is aimed at determining the various selection pressures that have led to the multiple independent evolutions of multimodal courtship signaling within the wolf spider genus Schizocosa. Schizocosa wolf spiders provide a model system for examining multimodal signaling, or the simultaneous production of more than one signal in more than sensory modality. Across the 23 described North American species, tremendous variation exists regarding their use of visual and/or seismic courtship signals (see phylogeny below from Stratton 2005). Furthermore, there is among-species variation concerning the mechanism(s) of seismic signal production as well as tremendous variation in both the degree and the placement of ornamentation that often accompanies visual movements. My research utilizes both content and efficacy-based approaches to understanding complex signal function across multiple species of Schizocosa.

For other sites highlighting Schizocosa research, see the webpages of my former mentors and lab mate …Dr. Gail Stratton…Dr. George Uetz…Dr Matt Persons