The Evolution of Female Resistance to Male Reproduction Traits in Animals

Grant number: DP0772215

Abstract

Australia has an outstanding international reputation in the fields of Ecology and Evolution. This study will reinforce Australia's excellence in these fields. Sexual conflict is a topic of great scientific interest because it has important implications for evolutionary theory and our understanding of the diverse strategies that animals use to attract or repel potential mates. Consequently, articles on this topic feature regularly in top international scientific journals. In addition, research on the unique social behaviours of Australian animals holds general public interest and plays an important role in attracting young people to careers in science.

Related publications (6)

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Social interactions generate mutually reinforcing selection for male aggression in Lake Eyre dragons

CA McLean, R Chan, AL Dickerson, A Moussalli, D Stuart-Fox

2016-01-01

Fighting ability is generally assumed to predict male reproductive success; yet the mechanisms responsible for this relationship a..

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Rival assessment and comparison of morphological and performance-based predictors of fighting ability in Lake Eyre dragon lizards, Ctenophorus maculosus

CA McLean, D Stuart-Fox

2015-04-01

Although the outcome of contests is often critical to fitness, we still have much to learn regarding the reliability of different ..

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Female ornamentation influences male courtship investment in a lizard

D Stuart-Fox, JL Goode

2014-02-27

Female signals of reproductive status often comprise both distinctive color patches and behaviors but their relative influence on ..

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Do female Lake Eyre dragon lizards adjust courtship rejection behaviour under higher predation risk?

CA McLean, D Stuart-Fox

2010-12-01

Female resistance is expected to evolve when mating costs outweigh resistance costs. One potential cost of resistance is increased..

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The predation cost of female resistance

CA McLean, A Moussalli, D Stuart-Fox

2010-04-01

Mating costs to females can result in female reluctance to mate and the evolution of seemingly costly rejection strategies. The co..

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Why are females ornamented? A test of the courtship stimulation and courtship rejection hypotheses

R Chan, D Stuart-Fox, TS Jessop

2009-11-30

Female ornamentation was initially thought to reflect genetic correlation with the more elaborate male trait. However, this cannot..

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