Endler 9700763 The proposed research addresses several key issues in animal communication and signal design using wolf spiders of the genus Schizocosa. Building on strong evidence that male wolf spiders have evolved morphological and behavioral traits used as signals during courtship, a series of experiments will be conducted to examine 2 key factors in shaping signal design: (1) preexisting preferences for signals (2) environmental constraints. This study also examines the importance of a motion-based visual display in female preferences and signal efficacy. To test the influence of preexisting preference for signals, the phylogenetic relationships among Schizocosa spiders will be determined using DNA sequence data. By overlaying morphological and behavioral traits (male signals and female preferences respectively) onto the phylogenetic tree, it is possible to determine the order in which they appeared evolutionarily. If signals used by males during courtship evolved to qtimulate preexisting preference in females, the female preference will precede the male trait on the tree. In addition, a correlation between display and habitat characteristics, independent of phylogenetic history, is predicted if the environment plays a role in shaping signal design. Finally, be presenting females with 3-dimensional animations of courting males, this research tests how specific behavioral traits may influence female mate preferences.
