Objective
Recently, it has been highlighted that most previous theoretical work on mating systems has been flawed, ignoring the profoundly simple fact that each offspring has a mother and a father (Kokako & Jenison, TREE in press). Now it has become clear that under certain conditions mutual mate choice, where both males and females choose, is to be expected. The arena-breeding (\'leek\') system of topic antelopes offers a unique opportunity for an empirical investigation of the topic. Extraordinarily clear evidence of active female mate choice from a wild-living mammal is the applicant\'s demonstration of aggressive mate competition between females on topic leeks (Bro-Jorgensen 2002 PNAS 99/cover story). Such competition suggests that the visibly exhausted preferred males become sperm depleted and might benefit from choosiness as well. The project will build models of sperm depletion, which clarify the basis for mating behaviour and mate choice unreal-life systems. Earlier abstract formulations will be replaced by biological realistic relationships, which take into account that where mating peaks are brief, costs that appear minor can have profound consequences.
Using the topic as a model species, we will explore and parameterise the prospect, that in a liking mammal both sexes can be choosy. Also we will construct spatially explicit individual-based models (IBMs) of a mammalian mating system, which forth first time integrate resource dispersion, individual quality, mate choice, and the feedback between these factors.
Again the models will be developed based on field data from topic. Broadening the focus to all ungulates (antelopes and deer), the explanatory power of the IBMs will be tested using data from the literature. Specifically, these models might explain lekevolution by positive feedback from female mate choice on an ideal free distribution of unequal males, when high quality males initially are slightly clustered due to a clumped female.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences evolutionary biology
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology mammalogy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP6-2002-MOBILITY-5
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
JYVAESKYLAE
Finland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.