Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/B/S/2001/00887
Quantifying fitness functions in the male dimorphic mite Sancassania berlesei: a comprehensive test of the status dependent ESS model.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Dr J Tomkins, University of St Andrews, Biology
- Grant held at:
- University of St Andrews, Biology
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Science Topics:
- Population Genetics/Evolution
- Population Ecology
- Behavioural Ecology
- Abstract:
- Evolutionarily stable strategies (ESS) provide a theoretical framework to explain the evolution of male dimorphisms. This research comprehensively tests the assumptions of the most commonly invoked status dependent ESS model, in which males adopt the tactic from which they derive the highest fitness return for their status. At low density the mite Sancassania berlesei has a status dependent 'fighter' morph, however dense colonies chemically inhibit fighter expression. Manipulating the exposure of nymphs to colony chemicals will be used to produce 'scramblers' and fighters of equal status, but differing tactics. We will create populations of these males and quantify the fitness for different tactics that overlap in male status. Replication at three colony densities will determine if the intersection of the fitness functions shift with density, as theory predicts.
- NERC Reference:
- NER/B/S/2001/00887
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Small Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Small Grants
This grant award has a total value of £30,337
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - T&S | Total - Staff | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| £623 | £20,078 | £400 | £9,236 |
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