Research Interest:
I
am interested in reproductive success and sexual selection. Environmental
factors, attractiveness and genetics have been shown to be important
factors in breeding success. I am interested in the relative importance
in these factors and how they influence reproductive success.
Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) is a sexual dimorphic passerine
(Turdidae) in North America. Males have a striking bright blue colored
body parts, and with chestnut colored on their breast patch. Female
have similar color pattern with drab gray-bluish coloration. Previous
studies in our lab have shown that structural blue and ultraviolet
colors are condition dependent traits in eastern bluebirds. My immediate
goal is to continue work with my advisor, Dr.
Geoffrey E. Hill, look at the function of structural plumage color
in mate choice. Also, we are using immunology to measure offspring
performance (a indicator of breeding success). Another main goal of
my research is to look at the genetic influences in variation in breeding
success. Genetic compatibility has been proposed for decades, as mentioned
in inbreeding depression and heterozygous advantage in the agricultural
industry. Only recently, novel molecular methods have emerged to allow
us to address this question in natural populations. To better understand
genetic compatibility and mate choice, I am working with Dr.
Herman Mays to look at how the genetic compatibility influences
breeding success or female mate choice decisions.
Previous
project:
Cooperative breeding is fascinating subject in behavior ecology. In
my master research, I try to figure out how a group living passerine
cooperate in breeding behavior. Taiwan yuhinas (Yuhina brunneiceps)
is a small babbler (Timiliidae) in Taiwan. They are territorial group
living birds, usually 2-3 pairs of birds share a territory, females
lay eggs in one nest, share parental care tusks. Taiwan yuhinas are
the only passerine species that have been determined to be communal
breeders so far. In my master project, I found that the pair bonds
are formed within the group and exhibit a hierarchical dominance structure
among pairs. Further study is being carrying out by another student,
SSF. (back)
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