Digitized Honors Theses (2002-2017)

Date of Award

5-2013

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Degree Name

BS

Department

Biology

Faculty Mentor

Charlyn Partridge, Ph.D.

Advisor(s)

Anne Boettcher, Ph.D. and Tim Sherman, Ph.D.

Abstract

Sexual selection often results in the evolution of secondary sexual traits, which are not directly involved in gamete production or transfer, but still impact individual reproductive fitness. In many cases, these traits serve as honest indicators for individual reproductive health. In the Gulf pipefish, a species with reversed sex roles, females have evolved these secondary sexual traits as a likely result of both male choice and female-female competition. While many studies have examined the effects of individual condition on the expression of secondary sexual traits in males, little work has been done to examine factors influencing trait expression in females. This study looked at how dietary factors influence growth and phenotypic expression of secondary sexual traits in female pipefish. A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted, where fish were fed low and high amounts of food daily for two­ three weeks. Size measurements and photographs were taken of each individual before and after the trial. Results suggest that the secondary sexual traits were not influenced by dietary factors. A second trial with modifications also yielded similar results. Interestingly, results revealed a significant relationship between ornamentation and fecundity independent of body size. This suggests that ornamentation may serve as an honest indicator of female reproductive condition, which could be used by males as a way to assess female quality during courtship.

Comments

© 2013 Sandra B. Huynh ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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