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Evolutionary Intricacy of Animal Behaviors

Sierra Dome spider in its web

Long-term research on Sierra dome spiders that live on the Station grounds has demonstrated a novel evolutionary intricacy of animal behavior. Females choose a mate from a wide variety of male suitors that brawl with one another on the delicate dome-shaped webs built by the female. Mate choice by females determines the success or failure of the population.

Publications
  • Watson, P. J. 1995. Dancing in the Dome: males are lured by food and sex into erotic contests and deadly brawls. Natural History 104(3):40–43.