Centre for Evolutionary Biology

Publications

My research focuses on how selection influences male reproductive biology, with particular emphasis on sexual selection and the evolution of ejaculate traits in animals. I study how selection acts both within and between species, primarily using fishes as a model system. I am currently working with guppies and western rainbowfish in collaboration with Jon Evans. My current and recent research activities are outlined below.

Research Activities

	Sperm competition and alternative reproductive tactics \| Not all males use the same tactics to reproduce. In some species, larger males court, sequester and guard females to secure fertilizations, while other smaller sneaker males perform parasitic fertilizations by releasing their sperm at the same time as the larger male. In these species, sneaker males experience a greater level of sperm competition because they always release sperm in the presence of another male. My research has examined differences in sperm traits between males that use different reproductive tactics, working with the plainfin midshipman and the African cichlid, Telmatochromis vittatus.
	Sperm evolution \| Sperm competition is a major selective force influence the evolution of sperm traits. Using a comparative approach I am interested in understanding how sperm competition influences sperm number, size, speed and longevity. My previous research focused on African cichlids from Lake Tanganyika. I am currently examining sperm evolution across a broad range of fish species.
	Reproductive consequences of inbreeding \| Inbreeding can have profound fitness costs, yet we know little about its impact on reproductive traits. This is surprising given that these traits are thought to be particularly vulnerable to genetic stress caused by inbreeding. Using guppies as a model system I am examining the reproductive costs of inbreeding and assessing how females avoid these costs.

Career

2008 – present    NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow – Centre for Evolutionary Biology, University of Western Australia

2004 – 2008    PhD – Department of Biology, McMaster University, Canada

1998 – 2003   Honours BSc – Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Canada

External Collaborators

Sigal Balshine (McMaster University, Canada)

Bob Montgomerie (Queen’s University, Canada)

Niclas Kolm (Uppsala University, Sweden)

Chris Wood (McMaster University, Canada)

Questions?

Contact me at jfitzpat@cyllene.uwa.edu.au

John Fitzpatrick