What mechanisms underlie species diversity in sexual dimorphism of behavior?
EOD frequency is higher in females than males in some species, but lower in females than males in other species. We are interested in the physiological and evolutionary mechanisms that underlie reversals in the direction of sexual dimorphism across species. • What mechanisms cause species and sex differences in more complex electrocommunication signals? Electric fish modulate the frequency and amplitude of their electrical signals to produce more complex communication signals called “chirps.” We are studying the neural and hormonal mechanisms that contribute to species and sex differences in chirping behavior. We use a wide range of techniques to address these questions: behavioral analysis; manipulation and measurement of hormone levels; neuroanatomy; pharmacology; and electrophysiology.
