● Evolutionary theory

● Genetic and environmental sources of phenotypic variation

● Non-mendelian and nongenetic inheritance

● Sexual selection and conflict

● Ageing in wild and laboratory populations

We are interested in how selection shapes phenotypes and  genetic systems. Our research encompasses a variety of approaches, including the development of new theory, and testing of existing theory through laboratory experiments, quantitative genetics, and field observations. Much of our work focuses on the mechanisms and evolutionary consequences of sexual selection and conflict. We also investigate how environment affects ageing and, in particular, how animals age in wild versus laboratory populations. Our favourite study organisms are flies (Neriidae and Piophilidae) and crickets.

Some interesting problems

∞ Sex-specific selection

Many traits are subject to sexual selection in males but not in females. Yet these traits typically have a common genetic basis in the two sexes. In such situations, selection favours the evolution of sex-differences in trait expression -- 'sexual dimorphism' . However, we still have a great deal to learn about sex-specific selection itself, and about the genetics of sexual dimorphism.

∞ Evolution of genomic imprinting

Most traits are expected to reflect a combination of maternally- and paternally-inherited genetic factors, although dominance effects can skew resemblance towards one parent. However, for some traits, only the allele inherited form one parent is expressed, while the other is silent. This peculiar phenomenon is called genomic imprinting. Despite its great importance, it remains unclear why genomic imprinting evolves.

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∞ Environmental effects on the expression of ageing

Do animals age more rapidly in a harsh environment (such as the wild) than in a protected environment (such as a laboratory)? In captivity, many insects and other small animals live for months or years whereas, in the wild, their life spans may be extremely brief. Yet, recent evidence suggests that insects age in the wild. Does ageing occur more rapidly in the wild, or are the consequences of ageing more apparent in a harsh environment?

∞ Sources of individual variation in ageing rate, and the relation between ageing and sexual selection

Elephants age more slowly than mice. Curiously, though, this negative correlation between ageing rate and body size among species may be reversed when variation among individuals within species is examined. A recent analysis of a population of wild flies has shown that large males age more rapidly than small ones. Moreover, this intraspecific variation weakens sexual selection on male body size. How/why does this occur?

Study Organisms

● Nerrid flies

Telostylinus angusticollis and T. lineolatus are large, stilt-legged flies that breed in rotting vegetation.

T. angusticollis is endemic to New South Wales and southern Queensland. This species exhibits a pronounced sexual dimorphism in body size and shape, and is remarkable for its phenotypic plasticity.

Telostylinus lineolatus lives in tropical north-Queensland. These flies are smaller and less sexually dimorphic than T. angusticollis, and breed in rotting fruit and dense flowers.

● Piophilid flies

Piophilidae are small carrion flies, most famously represented by the 'cheese skipper' Piophila case.

One very peculiar species, the 'antler fly' Protopiophila litigata, which is native to Canada, is remarkable for its specialization on discarded cervid antlers, and has become a key model for research on ageing in wild insects.

Another very interesting species, Prochyliza xanthostoma, exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism in body shape.

The Australian Piophilidae, such as the large brown Piophilosoma norrisi, also exhibit many interesting behavioural and morphological traits.