The genetic basis and evolution of sexually dimorphic coloration
Description of the granted funding
In many species we find substantial differences between the two sexes including size and weight differences, behavioral differences but also and in particular differences in coloration. Coloration can be highly exaggerated in one sex as for example in birds like the peacock, reptiles or fish. In many species such colorful characteristics are preferred by the other sex. Here we study a remarkable group of fishes from African lakes, the cichlid fishes, that evolved color differences between sexes very recently. We will address how the evolutionary transition from sexes looking similar (sexual monomorphism) to sexes looking very different (sexual dimorphism) occurred. For this we will be looking at the underlying genetic differences and investigate the molecular processes that male fish (that are more colorful in these species) undergo when they reach sexual maturity. This will provide us with a deeper understanding how the colorful diversity that we find in many animal species evolved.
Show moreStarting year
2022
End year
2027
Granted funding
Related funding decisions
372122
Research costs of Academy Research Fellows(2025)
200 000 €
353588
Research costs of Academy Research Fellows(2022)
300 000 €
Funder
Research Council of Finland
Funding instrument
Academy research fellows
Other information
Funding decision number
347309
Fields of science
Ecology, evolutionary biology
Research fields
Ekologia, evoluutiobiologia ja ekofysiologia