Research

Female competition and endocrine mechanisms

Like males, females also have exaggerated weapons, ornaments, and displays that may be important in intra- or inter-sexual competition. Much less is known about the function of these traits in females, or how they are regulated. Most of our work on this topic centers around female-female aggression and competition in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), a cavity nesting bird for which social challenges from prospecting rivals pose a very real threat to territorial females and their offspring.

Do mechanisms of aggression change with season?

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What is the role of female aggression in range expansion?

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How do mechanisms of aggression evolve?

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