"Selection in Relation to Sex and Hybridization among Awash Baboons," Shimelis Beyene (Anthropology Program). Charles Darwin (1871) formulated the theory of sexual selection to explain the origin of morphological/behavioral differences between the sexes of some species (i.e., sexual dimorphism) that he could not account for by natural selection. He argued that sexually dimorphic characters might evolve due to the advantages they confer on their possessors in competition among individuals of the same sex or to attract members of the opposite sex or through both mechanisms. The first mechanism has been well explored: Competition among males occurs in many species, and it can explain the evolution of male fighting apparatus such as large canines, large horns, large body size and increased aggressiveness in males of polygynous species. The second mechanism identified by Darwin, mate choice, however, received little attention until recently. Developments in theoretical and genetic models as well as field and laboratory studies in the last few decades have led to the recent explosion in the study of female mate choice. However, few studies have focused on the role of female mate choice in a hybrid zone. This study focuses on female mate choice in the Awash anubis-hamadryas baboon hybrid zone (AHZ). The AHZ provides a unique natural experiment in which to study female mate choice because the contrasting features of anubis and hamadryas males provide alternative visual signals to females, and hence form a basis for conspicuous female mate choice. It also allows us to better understand the role of female mate choice on the process of hybridization itself; i.e., in enhancing or limiting gene flow between the two populations. Female mate choices can lead to either the merger of the two baboon forms or to a divergence between them into separate species.

Selection in Relation to Sex and Hybridization among Awash Babllons by Shimelis Beyene (Anthropology and Ethnic Studies at UNL)

Speaker: Deana Namuth Covert, Associate Professor - Distance Education Director - Agronomy & Horticulture

"Ubiquitin-Dependent Negative Regulation of Tyrosine Kinaise Receptors: Cell Biology and Translational Possibilities", Professor Hamid Band, from University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Student ChamberFest will be in Kimball Recital Hall. Tickets: General admission $5, student/senior $3, available at the door approx. one hour before the performance.