| Theory on the evolution and ecology of mating systems and sexual selection
I have been developing a general modeling framework that allows me to combine sexual conflict theory with classic ideas of the impact of resource distributions on mating systems (Alonzo 2007). A comprehensive theory of mating systems must include the important links between social interactions within and between the sexes, spatial dynamics of reproduction, and uncertainty in environmental and social conditions. General models predict that whether resources affect future or current reproduction has a large influence on the predicted mating pattern. I plan to use this general framework to study the influence of resources, conflict and life history tradeoffs on a variety of reproductive behaviors. My hope is to generate a general theory of mating systems that integrates the evolution and ecology of reproduction within one framework.
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