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Estimation of the Strength of Mate Preference from Mated Pairs Observed in the Wild

Citation

Clancey, Erin. (2021-12). Estimation of the Strength of Mate Preference from Mated Pairs Observed in the Wild. Theses and Dissertations Collection, University of Idaho Library Digital Collections. https://www.lib.uidaho.edu/digital/etd/items/clancey_idaho_0089n_12237.html

Title:
Estimation of the Strength of Mate Preference from Mated Pairs Observed in the Wild
Author:
Clancey, Erin
ORCID:
0000-0003-4728-4023
Date:
2021-12
Keywords:
assortative mating mate preference maximum likelihood quantitative genetics models sexual selection
Program:
Statistical Sciences
Subject Category:
Statistics
Abstract:

A number of key processes in evolution are driven by individuals preferring mates with particular phenotypes. However, despite longstanding interest, it is difficult to quantify the strength of mate preference from phenotypic observations in nature in a way that connects directly to key parameters in theoretical models. To bridge the gap between mathematical models and empirical data, we develop a novel maximum likelihood-based method to estimate the strength and form of mate preference, where preference depends on traits expressed in both males and females. Using simulated data, we demonstrate that our method accurately infers model parameters, including the strength of mate preference and the optimal offset match between trait values in mated pairs, when model assumptions are satisfied. Applying our method to two previous studies of assortative mating in marine gastropods and the European common frog, we support previous findings, but also give additional insight into the role of mate preference in each system. Our method can be generalized to a variety of plant and animal taxa that exhibit mating preferences to facilitate the testing of evolutionary hypotheses and link empirical data to theoretical models of assortative mating, sexual selection, and speciation.

Description:
masters, M.S., Statistical Sciences -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-12
Major Professor:
Hohenlohe, Paul A
Committee:
Harmon, Luke J; Johnson, Timothy R; Abo, Hirotachi
Defense Date:
2021-12
Identifier:
Clancey_idaho_0089N_12237
Type:
Text
Format Original:
PDF
Format:
application/pdf

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