This research involves ecological and behavioral studies of a group of passerine birds native to Australia. Species in this group exhibit a variety of interesting patterns of behavior, the study of which will aid in understanding evolutionary processes and social behavior in non-human species. Individuals live in large social groups, and the offspring from one generation remain in the territory and help the parents raise young in successive breeding attempts. Despite the close social ties among individuals in the same group, females generally mate with males outside their social group. By testing hypotheses for the evolution of this type of social organization, Dr. Pruett-Jones hopes to elucidate the factors important in the very general problem of mate choice by both males and females. In his study of reproductive patterns, he is using the technique of DNA fingerprinting and other molecular techniques. One of these techniques, microsatellite analysis, has not been used before in such studies. Thus apart from the topic under study, this research will contribute to the field of molecular genetics and the development of new techniques of analysis that may have applicability in human research. Two of the species under study, the striated grasswren and mallee emu-wren, are endangered and restricted to mallee scrub habitats, perhaps the most limited and endangered habitat in Australia. In their ecology, these two species share many characteristics with other vertebrate species restricted to mallee habitats. This study will contribute to the conservation of mallee habitats and provide information critical to the management of endangered mallee species.
