Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center

31 Jan, 10 AM - 30 Jun, 06 AM

In order to respond effectively to biodiversity loss, we must understand not only how to preserve biodiversity, but what it takes to make new species and to make many species quickly. We know that one way to make new species is through the slow accumulation of genetic differences across a single population. During this process if reproductive barriers begin to form but do not fully prevent gene exchange a hybrid zone is formed. The purpose of my research is to better understand the modes of speciation, especially the ways in which short term environmental changes can cause species to be rapidly formed or extinguished through hybridization. In 1997, at Deep Canyon I established a long-term field study on hybridizing California and Gambel?s Quail. I developed an interest in the potential for small changes in phenotype to change the course of evolution. During my postdoctoral research, I investigated the conditions that lead to changes in behavioral phenotypes (species recognition and choice of mate). My research has identified important behavioral and ecological causes, and evolutionary consequences, of hybridization between California and Gambel?s Quail. Thus far, I have shown that an ecological gradient, together with El-Ni?o Southern Oscillation, help explain hybrid zone dynamics. Genes move freely between species where they co-occur in an ecotone but outside that area, ecological factors (aridity) usually limit gene exchange. Behavior contributes to maintaining the hybrid zone. Specifically, the formation of mixed-species flocks may encourage interspecific pairing, partly as a result of having limited numbers of unrelated and conspecific potential mates. Being raised in mixed-species groups affects the adult neural response in the auditory forebrain to vocalizations of opposite-sex conspecifics and heterospecifics. My specific future aims are: 1) to investigate how flexible social behavior, specifically allo-parenting, contributes to hybridization in California and Gambel?s Quail (Callipepla californica and C. gambelii), and to ask whether shared social tendencies among Galliformes may explain their relatively high prevalence of hybridization as opposed to other taxa.

Visit #23562 @Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center

Approved

Under Project # 22816 | Research

Causes and consequences of hybridization between CaliforniaXGambel's Quail

research_scientist - University of California, Riverside

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