Research in my laboratory focuses on sexual selection and host-parasite interactions in insects. The overarching theme is to understand how adaptive processes in nature shape animal diversity.

 

We are studying the evolution of condition-dependent courtship traits of males in response to pre- and post-copulatory sexual selection. Through integrating laser ablation techniques, high-speed digital video, and quantitative genetics, we are elucidating trait signaling function, and working toward resolving key problems in "good genes" sexual selection.

 

We are also interested in the evolutionary significance of parasitism, disease and environmental stress in natural communities. Our primary interest is ecological immunology. We are conducting comprehensive surveys of parasitic effects on host life-history traits, and testing the extent to which genetic resistance is traded for other fitness components, in domains such as ejaculate quality and male fertilization success. Research is also aimed at understanding the mechanisms for the maintenance of genetic diversity in host-parasite systems.

 

To learn more about research going on in the Polak Lab, please visit our Home Page.

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POLAK, M., & Taylor, P.W. 2007. A primary role of developmental instability in sexual selection. Proceedings of the Royal Society, London B, 274:3133-3140. [pdf]

 

POLAK, M., Luong, L.T., & Starmer, W.T. 2007. Parasites physically block host copulation: A potent mechanism of parasite-mediated sexual selection. Behavioral Ecology, 18:952-957. [pdf]

 

Luong, L.T. & POLAK, M. 2007. Costs of resistance in the Drosophila-Macrocheles system: A negative genetic correlation between ectoparasite resistance and reproduction. Evolution, 61:1391-1402. [pdf]

 

Jaenike, J., POLAK, M., Fiskin, A., Helou, M., & Minhas, M. 2007. Interspecific transmission of endosymbiotic Spiroplasma by mites. Biology Letters, 3:23-25. [pdf]

 

POLAK, M. and Starmer, W.T. 2005. Environmental origins of sexually selected variation and a critique of the fluctuating asymmetry-sexual selection hypothesis. Evolution, 59:577-585. [pdf]

 

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