Evolution Ultragroup

Today will be the first evolution ultragroup seminar for the Spring 2011 semester. Please join us in Yates 206 at 4PM to hear Michelle Desroisers (Angeloni/Ghalambor labs) talk about her proposed work with Island Scrub-Jays.

Investigating the mating system and primary sex ratio in the Island Scrub-Jay: Implications
for conservation

Abstract: The study of reproductive behavior can provide information about the maintenance of both processes and patterns of genetic diversity, a central
theme in conservation biology. The maintenance of genetic diversity is an important conservation goal because it allows populations to adapt to future environmental conditions as well as to avoid the detrimental effects of genetic drift and inbreeding. Genetic diversity in wild populations is best maintained by preserving large populations. However, even a large population can lose genetic variation over time, depending on factors that influence its effective population size. Mating systems and primary sex ratio biases are two reproductive characteristics that have the potential to influence effective population sizes. This study will investigate the rate and origin of extra pair paternity, as well as testing for the presence of a primary sex ratio bias in a species of conservation concern, the Island Scrub-Jay, Aphelocoma insularis. All data will be shared with managers who are creating a management plan for the species and conducting a population viability analysis.